NSERC, CIHR & SSHRC Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Step-by-Step USRA Application Guide for Canadian Students

Are you an undergraduate student in Canada looking for an opportunity to gain valuable research experience and get paid for it?

Look no further than the Government of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) program for 2025.

This prestigious award supports over 3,000 students annually across a wide range of disciplines in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the USRA program – from eligibility requirements and application procedures to tips for crafting a winning research proposal.

By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to apply for a USRA and launch your research career.

Let’s dive in!

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What are Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)?

NSERC, CIHR & SSHRC Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Step-by-Step USRA Application Guide for Canadian Students

The USRA program aims to nurture undergraduate students’ interest and potential for a research career by providing hands-on research work experience that complements their studies. Awards are granted by three federal agencies:

1. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
2. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
3. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Presently, CIHR and SSHRC USRAs are exclusively for Black student researchers as part of the agencies’ commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in the Canadian research enterprise.

NSERC continues to offer USRAs to all eligible undergraduates, with additional awards available for Indigenous students.Key facts about USRAs:

• Value: $6,000 plus a mandatory host institution contribution
• Duration: 14-16 weeks of full-time research
• Location: Awards must be held at the Canadian institution that offers it
• Maximum allowed: 1 per fiscal year, 3 throughout undergraduate studies
• Deadlines: Set by each host institution (see below)

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for a USRA, you must meet the following requirements as of the application deadline at your chosen institution:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Be registered in a bachelor’s degree program at an eligible Canadian institution
• Have a cumulative average of at least B- (confirm with institution)
• Not be enrolled in an undergraduate professional degree in the health sciences (e.g. MD, DDS, BScN) – except for CIHR USRAs
• Not be currently or previously registered in a graduate program in the same field
• Not have completed all degree requirements

Additionally for CIHR and SSHRC USRAs, you must self-identify as Black.

This information will be shared with the institution and publicly if awarded.You remain eligible if you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are working towards a second one.

However, you can only hold one USRA per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) and a maximum of three throughout your undergraduate studies, regardless of the granting agency.

Value and Duration

Each USRA is valued at $6,000 and the host institution is required to provide a supplement on top of this amount.

The total award funds are paid directly to you by the institution according to their pay procedures.USRAs are held for 14 to 16 consecutive weeks of full-time research work.

The activities during this period are governed by your agreements with the host institution, including any employment contracts.The program does not provide for vacation, sick leave or other interruptions. If your USRA is cut short for any reason, you must notify the granting agency immediately.

Choosing an Institution and Supervisor

USRAs can only be held at eligible Canadian institutions that have been allocated awards by the granting agencies. Consult the USRA allocations table to see which institutions have quotas for each agency.

You can apply to multiple institutions, but must submit a separate application to each one. Contact the institution’s USRA Liaison Officer for their internal deadlines and selection criteria, which may be stricter than the agencies’.

Your research project must be supervised by someone authorized by the institution, usually a professor.

Ensure your proposed supervisor is eligible and available to mentor you. Their research program does not need to fall exclusively under the granting agency you apply to.

Crafting Your Research Proposal

The core component of your USRA application is a 500-word research proposal that outlines:

1. The research question, objectives and methodology
2. Your role and expected contributions to the project
3. The quality of training and mentorship you expect to receive
4. How the USRA aligns with and will advance your career goals

To make your proposal stand out, aim for a clear, well-structured and compelling narrative.

Highlight your understanding of the research area, relevant skills, and enthusiasm for the project.

Convey how the USRA will be a pivotal steppingstone in your academic and professional development.

Refer to the NSERC guide on integrating equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in your proposal. Consider how your project could help advance EDI in research and discuss any barriers you’ve overcome.

Have your supervisor review your proposal to ensure it aligns with their expertise and resources. Incorporate their feedback to submit the strongest possible application.

Submitting Your Application

USRA applications must be completed and submitted online through NSERC’s portal. The process involves two parts:

1. Form 202 Part I completed by the student applicant
2. Form 202 Part II completed by the proposed supervisor

Log into the portal and follow the prompts to fill out Form 202 Part I. You’ll be asked to provide personal information, transcripts, your research proposal and a self-identification questionnaire.

Inform your supervisor that you’ve applied so they can log in and complete their portion, Form 202 Part II.

This includes details about their research program, funding, and mentorship plan for you.Submit your application well ahead of the institution’s deadline.

You can apply to multiple institutions but must do so separately. The institution will let you know the outcome after their internal selection process.

Selection Criteria and Process

USRA applications are evaluated and awarded by participating institutions based on three key criteria:

1. Academic excellence (grades, awards, research experience)
2. Research potential (quality of proposal, reference letters)
3. Expected quality of training and mentorship

Institutions may apply additional or stricter criteria. Consult with your institution’s USRA Liaison Officer for specifics on their selection process and timeline.

Institutions aim to distribute their allocated USRAs to top-ranked applicants across diverse research fields.

For NSERC awards, additional USRAs may be offered to self-identified Indigenous students. For CIHR and SSHRC, all awards presently go to self-identified Black students.

If your application is successful, you will receive an official award letter from the granting agency partway through your research term.

Read it carefully and keep for your records.

Conclusion

The Undergraduate Student Research Award is an incredible opportunity to gain paid research experience, build your skills and network, and contribute to advancing knowledge in your field.

By understanding the application requirements and process, putting together a compelling research proposal, and working with a supportive supervisor, you’ll be well-positioned to secure a USRA and excel in this immersive research experience.

To recap the key steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility and self-identification (for CIHR/SSHRC)
2. Choose institutions to apply to and note their deadlines
3. Secure a eligible supervisor for your research project
4. Craft a clear, compelling 500-word research proposal
5. Complete Form 202 Part I on NSERC’s online portal
6. Have your supervisor complete Form 202 Part II
7. Submit ahead of the institution’s deadline
8. Await results and start planning for your research term

A USRA can be the first step in a fruitful research career that takes you to graduate studies and beyond.

Embrace this opportunity to expand your horizons, challenge yourself, and contribute to the research community.

Ready to get started? Apply now for a 2025 Undergraduate Student Research Award and take your research potential to the next level!