Research & Innovation Services

The Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) aim to stimulate the interests of students in the research fields of natural sciences and engineering. In addition, the purpose of the awards is to encourage students to pursue graduate studies as well as a research career in these fields. These awards are target students interested in gaining practical work experience in their chosen areas of academic studies. Qualified Aboriginal students are encouraged to apply. The award provides $4,500 for a full 16-week period. Universities are required to supplement the amount of the award with a minimum of 25 percent of the award value using sources such as university funds, NSERC grants, in addition to other research funds.  Supervisors are expected to supply the supplement from their NSERC grants.

Please refer to the following document for instructions for completion and submission of an application to the NSERC USRA competition:

NSERC USRA Instructions

Qualifications criterion necessitates that the applicant must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
• Be registered in a Bachelor’s program at the time of application at an eligible university

• Have obtained a cumulative average of at least second class (a grade of “B” or “B-”) Students with transfer credit from another institution must check eligibility with the Registrar's Office.  The cumulative GPA shown on their Bridge account does not include transfer credit and thus, is not accurate for application purposes.

• Must not have held more than 2 previous USRA awards, as the maximum times to hold an NSERC USRA is three awards.

A complete application should include:

• One complete copy of Form 202, Part I Application for an Undergraduate Student Research Award, completed by the student
• One complete copy of Form 202, Part II, completed by the proposed supervisor
• A letter of reference from a faculty member (to be sent to the Office of Research Services)
• an explanation for course loads of less than 5 per Fall/Spring semester (to be sent to the Office of Research Services)
• Up-to-date official transcripts, including transfer credits.  Official transcripts, including a copy of the legend, are now required for the student component of the application. Students requiring a scanned copy of their transcripts for attachment to the on-line application must arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly to the NSERC USRA, c/o Office of Research Services, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4.  Please allow sufficient time for transcripts to be sent from the Registrar's Office to the Office of Research Services - 2 weeks in advance of the deadline is strongly recommended.

For additional information see:

• NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award Score Sheet
• review NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards program information  
• Application form and instructions for on-line sign on must be accessed through NSERC website. 
• Please note that handwritten applications will not be accepted.

If you have questions, please contact Susan Entz, Ethics Officer, Office of Research Services.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, January 20, 2012 to the Office of Research Services, B610 University Hall.