For More Information
- NSERC USRA program information
- NSERC On-line Services
- University of Guelph Student Financial Services – USRA information
Description
Please note: NSERC has introduced several changes to the USRA program for 2015-16. These changes are highlighted below.
Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) encourages undergraduate students to stimulate their interest in research in natural sciences and engineering, and to encourage them to undertake graduate studies and pursue a research career in these fields. In order for them to gain research experience that complements their studies in an academic setting, these awards can provide them with financial support through their host university.
Eligibility
Undergraduate students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and who have completed at least two terms of a bachelor program, have a B standing >=(70%) and not have started a graduate program, and be engaged in full-time research working under a supervisor who currently holds NSERC funds, or Canada Research Chair. To be eligible to hold an award in the summer, students must have been enrolled in at least one course in their program of study, in at least one of the two terms immediately previous to the award to be eligible to hold a USRA. Students can hold one USRA during a fiscal year (April 1 to March 31), and a maximum of three during their undergraduate program.
Funding Availability
$6,160 (minimum) based on minimum wage of $11.00/hr. plus 4% vacation pay. In addition to the salary costs over NSERC contribution of $4,500, the supervisor is responsible for benefit costs of 9.25%.
Project Duration
16 weeks, (35 hours per week)
Special Notes
NSERC will be announcing a small number of supplementary awards for the Fall 2015 addition to the regular quota. Please note that these cannot be carried over to the Winter 2016 semester, as unused quotas will have to be returned to NSERC. There may be further additional supplementary awards announced for the Winter 2016 semester. Departments may wish to keep a “B” list of eligible USRA applicants if they qualify for either the Fall 2015 or Winter 2016 semesters, in the event they are allocated any supplementary awards. The Office of Research Services will announce the availability of supplementary awards to colleges as we become aware of them.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Internal Deadline | Departments send a copy of the application (Form 202 Part I & II) and the student’s transcript to the Office of Research Services in hard copy. Please send these as one package per department and attach a list of the students’ names and supervisors. Please contact Annette Clarke if an extension is required to fill a position, are unable to fill a quota, or if a position will be deferred to the Fall 2015 semester. Please note that OR-5’s are not required. If a student has self-identified as an Aboriginal student, these applications are not counted towards the quota (another application should be sent in addition to this one, or let Annette Clarke know if the department cannot fill it). | |
External Deadline | Grants Officer submits the online application to NSERC. |
How to Apply
Student completes Form 202 Part 1 and uploads their unofficial transcript, then verifies; student’s supervisor completes Form 202 Part II (obtains reference number from student on Part I) and verifies, saves and “submits to LO” on NSERC website. Student prints Form 202 Part 1 along with unofficial transcript and any other information requested by department (if applicable) and submits to contact person listed in the job posting by the deadline set.