NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) - Summer Program

Overview

USRAs are meant to nurture your interest and fully develop your potential for a research career in the natural sciences and engineering. They are also meant to encourage you to undertake graduate studies in these fields. If you would like to gain research work experience that complements your studies in an academic setting, these awards can provide you with financial support through your host univernsity. NSERC encourages qualified Indigenous students to apply for this award.

A USRA is held full-time for 16 weeks and NSERC provides a stipend of $4,500 per award. This must be supplemented by the Western USRA supervisor by at least 25% (i.e. an additional $1,125, minimum).

Transcripts

If you are a Western student, the transcript you attach to your application must meet the following requirements:

  • Your name, the university's name and the program in which you're enrolled appear
  • Grades up to Dec. 31st of the year preceding the award are included

Western's "Academic Record" format meets NSERC's transcript requirements. You can obtain a copy of your Academic Record by contacting the faculty USRA contacts below. (N.B. you can't access the Academic Record on your own; transcripts such as those printed from a student's account do not meet NSERC's requirements as there is insufficient identifying information.)

If you are undertaking a USRA at Western but your home university is different, you must attach an official transcript from your home university to your online application, including the legend.

Eligibility

Please visit the NSERC USRA overview page (see link below under "Resources") for details on eligibility.

Deadline

  • Deadline to apply for a Summer 2020 USRA at Western University (Form 202s Part I and II submitted online): TBD (late January, 2020)
  • IMPORTANT: Check with the faculty where you want to hold the award as earlier internal faculty/department deadlines may be in place

NSERC is acting on the evidence that equity, diversity and inclusion strengthen the scientific and engineering communities and the quality, social relevance and impact of research. Increasing diversity and gender equity in the research enterprise are key priorities in their current strategic plan, NSERC 2020, and are highlighted in the strategic goal of “Building a Diversified and Competitive Research Base”.

NSERC is in the process of integrating sex, gender and diversity considerations into its evaluation criteria. Their community will be informed of changes and effective dates in advance of application deadlines. Applicants should refer to the Guide for Applicants: Considering equity, diversity and inclusion in your application for more information.

Contacts

You will need to check with the faculty through which you wish to apply for the application process and a list of eligible supervisors.

For general USRA program information, please contact: researchoffice@uwo.ca