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Undergraduate Student Research Award
Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) assist students in gaining research work experience that complements their studies while receiving financial support. They are intended to:
- Stimulate students' research interests in health, natural sciences and engineering, or social sciences and humanities.
- Encourage undergraduate students to continue onto graduate studies and pursue research careers in these fields.
Undergraduate students participate in paid, full-time work as a research assistant on a project under the supervision of a research-eligible Laurier faculty member.
USRA Programs and Allocation of Awards
Each year, Laurier receives an allocation of awards it can offer to students from three separate Tri-Agency-funded USRA programs:
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
NSERC USRA Program
The NSERC USRA program competition is run through the Faculty of Science and the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. Each faculty facilitates its own internal competition.
For the 2026 competition, NSERC permits institutions to recommend applications for Indigenous students beyond the institutional quota. All applications from eligible Indigenous students at Laurier will be put forward to NSERC. Indigenous students must meet the eligibility requirements to apply for and hold an award and be deemed eligible via Laurier's Indigenous identity verification process. Students who have already completed this process for previous opportunities do not have to complete this process again.
The Faculty of Science has been allocated 20 NSERC USRAs and the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics has been allocated one NSERC USRA to offer to students. NSERC has also allocated Laurier two additional supplementary NSERC USRA awards available exclusively for Black students, in addition to the institutional allocation. These two supplementary awards have been allocated to the Faculty of Science.
How to Apply: NSERC USRA Internal Competition
CIHR and SSHRC USRA Programs
Currently, CIHR and SSHRC USRAs are available exclusively for Black students and the award competitions are facilitated through the Office of Research Services. Laurier has been allocated one CIHR USRA and three SSHRC USRAs to offer students. Students must work on projects that fall under CIHR or SSHRC's mandates: health, social sciences or humanities. Students applying to the CIHR or SSHRC competition may also apply to the NSERC competition, but they must choose which USRA to hold if they are successful in both competitions.
How to Apply: CIHR and SSHRC USRA Competitions for Black Students
Duration and Value
The duration of the USRA award is 14 to 16 consecutive weeks on a full-time basis (35 hrs/week).
Typically, students hold the award during the summer semester, from May to August. The award may also be held during the fall or winter semester to accommodate co-op students.
There is only one application cycle each year, so applicants must apply by the deadlines listed below. Students can take a maximum of two half-credit courses while completing their USRA term.
NSERC provides $6,000 and faculty supervisors supplement the award to comply with Laurier’s minimum hourly rate ($22.66) for undergraduate research assistants.
- Students will receive their award payment from Laurier.
- Students will be full-time employees for the duration of the award and are paid bi-weekly through payroll, in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
Student and Supervisor Eligibility
The eligibility criteria below apply to all USRA awards (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) unless otherwise noted.
For additional information on eligibility criteria for students and supervisors:
Student Eligibility to Apply
To be eligible to apply for an award, students must:
- be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada);
- be registered, at the time of application, in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible university; and
- have obtained, over the previous years of study, a minimum cumulative B- average/GPA of 7.0.
Students are not eligible to apply for a USRA if they:
- are currently enrolled in an undergraduate professional degree program in the health sciences (e.g. MD, DDS, BScN) (does not apply for CIHR USRAs);
- are currently registered or have been previously registered, at any time, in a graduate program in the same field of study (e.g. natural sciences or engineering for NSERC USRA);
- have completed all of their degree requirements as of Laurier's application deadline date (see deadlines by program below); or
- have previously held three USRAs during their undergraduate career.
Student Eligibility to Hold Award
To be eligible to hold an award, students must meet the following requirements:
- completed all the course requirements of at least the first year of university study (or two academic terms) of their bachelor's degree;
- registered in at least one of the two terms immediately before holding the award in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible university (registered in fall 2025 and/or winter 2026 for summer USRA students);
- able to work full-time during the tenure of their award (May to August for summer USRA students) in eligible research and development activities;
- not enrolled in more than two half-credit courses during the tenure of the USRA (May to August for summer USRA students);
- not registered in a graduate program;
- not conducting thesis research during the tenure of their award – they must have completed their thesis before starting their USRA position or registered for the thesis after the USRA is held; and
- not have held a USRA during the same fiscal year of April 1 to March 31 (cannot hold a fall USRA in 2026 if they held a summer USRA in 2026).
Supervisor Eligibility
When preparing the research proposal, supervisors are encouraged to consult NSERC’s guide on integrating equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in research.
Supervisors must:
- be a faculty member who is authorized by the university to independently supervise students;
- ensure that the USRA project’s subject matter falls within the selected agency’s mandate to which you apply;
- demonstrate a willingness to provide the matching funding; and
- be able to provide adequate supervision for all students they plan to supervise.
Overview of Application Process
Follow the appropriate application procedures and deadlines for the USRA competition and the faculty where you are applying for a USRA. For NSERC USRAs, students apply directly to the Faculty of Science or the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. For CIHR and SSHRC USRAs, applications are submitted to the Office of Research Services.
Application Deadlines
- Faculty of Science (NSERC): Jan. 16, 2026
- Lazaridis School of Business and Economics (NSERC): Feb. 13, 2026
- CIHR or SSHRC: Feb. 13, 2026
How to Apply – NSERC USRA Internal Competition
Please follow the application procedures outlined below for each faculty.
Each department in the Faculty of Science holds an annual competition to award NSERC USRAs. These awards are allocated through a competitive process at the departmental level.
The Faculty of Science is allocated a total of 20 NSERC URSAs and two additional supplementary awards for self-identified Black students. Indigenous students are not included in the institutional quota. All applications from eligible Indigenous students at Laurier will be put forward to NSERC.
Deadline to apply: Jan. 16, 2026
Questions? Please contact Anne White (scienceadmin@wlu.ca)
To apply:
- Confirm you are eligible and read the USRA program guidelines.
- Review project descriptions and application instructions on the Faculty of Science USRA MyLS course. You can apply for a maximum of three projects. The project(s) do not have to be in your home department. The application form will open for students to apply on Dec. 18, 2026. If you do not have access to the MyLS course, please email scienceadmin@wlu.ca
- Apply through the MyLS course by Jan. 16, 2026. On the form, you will be asked to rank your top three projects. Before you apply, ensure you have the following documents in separate PDFs:
- A copy of your unofficial transcript, downloaded from LORIS. It is important you follow the instructions in this link so your transcript meets NSERC’s requirements.
- CV/resume
- Your student research interest statement:
- one page maximum, following NSERC's online presentation and attachment standards
- description of your research interests, previous research and/or work experience
- relevance of research experience to your future goals
- how your experience and interests are connected to the project
- Your personal circumstances statement (optional):
- one page maximum
- outline any gaps/interruptions to your academic/research career
- explain any personal circumstances that may have impacted your research productivity or educational trajectory, including, but not limited to, medical leaves, caregiving responsibilities and/or financial need
- Between Jan. 16 and Feb. 6, 2026, faculty supervisors will meet with a short list of selected students who applied to their project(s).
- Faculty supervisors will determine which student(s) to put forward for departmental adjudication and will send their project description and student application(s) to the department chair by Feb. 6, 2026. Note: Students who are selected by more than one supervisor must choose one project to go to departmental adjudication.
Selection and hiring process:
- Department chairs will appoint a selection committee who will adjudicate the submitted applications based on the selection criteria outlined below. The committee will select students to receive an award by Feb. 20, 2026. The Science Dean’s Office will notify the Office of Research Services of students they have selected to receive an award by March 2, 2026.
- Students selected by the departmental committees to receive an award will be contacted by the Office of Research Services between March 3 and April 14, 2026. Students are encouraged to check their @mylaurier.ca email account daily during this period. Students and faculty supervisors will be required to complete the following and submit them to the Office of Research Services within one week of being notified:
- Form 202 part one (students) and part two (supervisor) using the instructions below. Students must upload an updated transcript to Form 202 showing course completion and marks from the fall 2025 term.
- USRA payment information form - The supervisor must complete and email directly to Meghan Fournie (mfournie@wlu.ca) in the Office of Research Services.
- The Office of Research Services will review the completed Form 202 to confirm the student and supervisor are eligible. Once their eligibility is confirmed, a notice of award will be issued and the Office of Research Services will submit the Form 202 applications to NSERC by May 1, 2026.
- To complete the hiring of USRA students, supervisors must also complete the Research Assistant Appointment Request Form and submit to payroll no later than May 1, 2026. Prior to submitting to payroll, the supervisor must send the completed form to Research Finance (researchfinance@wlu.ca) or the budget manager for approval.
- A notice of decision will be issued to all unsuccessful applicants between April 14 and 30, 2026.
The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics holds annual competitions to award NSERC USRAs.
The Lazaridis School is allocated one NSERC USRA to award. Indigenous students who wish to be considered outside of the institutional quota may contact Meghan Fournie (mfournie@wlu.ca) for more information.
Deadline to apply: Feb. 13, 2026
Questions? Please contact Meghan Fournie (mfournie@wlu.ca)
To apply:
- Confirm you are eligible and read the USRA Program Guidelines.
- Identify a faculty member that you want to work with and contact them to discuss research opportunities.
- Applications must be sent directly to the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics and include:
- A copy of Form 202 part one (students) and part two (supervisor) using the instructions below.
- A copy of your unofficial transcript, downloaded from LORIS and uploaded to Form 202, part one. It is important you follow the instructions in this link so your transcript meets NSERC requirements. The transcript must show course completion and marks from the fall 2025 term.
- CV/resume
- Your research statement:
- one page maximum, following NSERC's online presentation and attachment standards
- description of your research interests, previous research and/or work experience
- relevance of research experience to your future goals
- how your experience and interests are connected to the project
- Your personal circumstances statement (optional):
- one page maximum
- outline any gaps/interruptions to your academic/research career
- explain any personal circumstances that may have impacted your research productivity or educational trajectory, including, but not limited to, medical leaves, caregiving responsibilities and/or financial need
- Supervisors must complete and submit the USRA payment information form directly to the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics.
Selection and hiring process:
- The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics will develop its own selection committee(s) who will adjudicate the submitted applications based the selection criteria outlined below and select a student to receive an award. It will notify the Office of Research Services of the student they have selected to receive an award by Mar. 2, 2026.
- The Office of Research Services will review the completed Form 202 to confirm the selected student and supervisor are eligible. Once their eligibility is confirmed, a notice of award will be issued to the successful student between March 3 and April 14, 2026. Students are encouraged to check their @mylaurier.ca email account daily during this period. The Office of Research Services will submit the Form 202 applications to NSERC by May 1, 2026.
- To complete the hiring of USRA students, supervisors must also complete Research Assistant Appointment Request Form and submit to Payroll no later than May 1, 2026. Prior to submitting to Payroll, the supervisor must send the completed form to Research Finance (researchfinance@wlu.ca) or the budget manager for approval.
- A notice of decision will be issued to all unsuccessful applicants between April 14 and 30, 2026.
How to Apply – CIHR and SSHRC USRA Competitions for Black Students
Laurier is assigned an allocation of one CIHR USRA and three SSHRC USRAs to award to Black students.
Deadline to apply: Feb. 13, 2026
Questions? Please contact Meghan Fournie (mfournie@wlu.ca).
To apply:
- Confirm you are eligible and read the USRA Program Guidelines.
- Identify a faculty member that you want to work with and contact them to discuss research opportunities. Students may also contact Meaghan Fournie (mfournie@wlu.ca) by Feb. 2, 2026 for assistance identifying a faculty member with an available project.
- Complete part one (student) and part two (supervisor) of Form 202 using the instructions below.
- Applications can be emailed to Meghan Fournie (mfournie@wlu.ca) and must include:
- A copy of Form 202 part one (students) and part two (supervisor) using the instructions below.
- A copy of your unofficial transcript, downloaded from LORIS and uploaded to Form 202, part one. It is important you follow the instructions in this link so your transcript meets NSERC's requirements. The transcript must show course completion and marks from the fall term.
- CV/resume
- Your research statement:
- one page maximum
- description of your research interests, previous research and/or work experience
- relevance of research experience to your future goals
- how your experience and interests are connected to the project
- Your personal circumstances statement (optional):
- one page maximum
- outline any gaps/interruptions to your academic/research career
- explain any personal circumstances that may have impacted your research productivity or educational trajectory, including, but not limited to, medical leaves, caregiving responsibilities and/or financial need
- Supervisors must complete and submit the USRA payment information form directly to Meghan Fournie (mfournie@wlu.ca).
Selection and hiring process:
- The Office of Research Services will develop its own selection committee who will adjudicate the submitted applications based the selection criteria outlined below and select students to receive an award. The selection committee will notify the Office of Research Services of students they have selected to receive an award by March 14, 2026.
- The Office of Research Services will review the completed Form 202 to confirm the selected students and supervisors are eligible. Once their eligibility is confirmed, a notice of award will be issued to successful students by April 14, 2026. Students are encouraged to check their @mylaurier.ca email account daily during this period. ORS will submit the Form 202 applications to the tri-agencies by May 1, 2026 .
- To complete the hiring of USRA students, supervisors must also complete Research Assistant Appointment Request Form and submit to payroll no later than May 1, 2026. Prior to submitting to payroll, the supervisor must send the completed form to Research Finance (researchfinance@wlu.ca) or the budget manager for approval.
- A notice of decision will be issued to all unsuccessful applicants between April 14 and 30, 2026.
Selection Criteria
USRA applications for all three granting agencies are assessed based on the following three criteria:
- academic excellence;
- research potential; and
- expected quality of the training and mentorship to be received.
Steps to Complete Form 202
Students must work with their supervisors to complete Form 202. Forms for all Tri-agencies are submitted through the NSERC portal.
If there are any errors or information that requires updating, Laurier’s strategic research initiatives officer will return the application and allow the student or supervisor to make changes. Note: Laurier staff are unable to view Form 202 until parts one and two are linked and the application is submitted by the supervisor.
For additional resources, see the NSERC instructions, video and FAQ pages for completing Form 202.
Take these steps to complete Form 202 part one:
- Log in to NSERC’s online portal.
- If it is your first time applying, you must register.
- If you previously applied for a USRA, you do not need to create a new form. Instead, use the same form from your previous application, make any updates to your personal information and upload your updated transcript.
- To complete the required information, use your @mylaurier.ca email address.
- NSERC PIN: Leave this field blank if this is your first application to NSERC. The system will assign you a pin when your application is submitted.
- On the main page select “Forms – Student” from the list under Forms management.
- In the “select form to be created” drop-down menu, select “Form 202 – Part I Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA).”
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Complete the fields in each section listed under the left-hand menu, titled Form.
- When completing the fields in the Application Profile, ensure to select the appropriate agency (NSERC, CIHR or SSHRC). If you are unsure what agency to select, contact your supervisor.
- When completing the fields in the Personal Profile section:
- Ensure both your first/given and last/family name are spelled correctly.
- Initials of all given names = first letter of your first name + first letter of your middle name (if applicable).
- Complete the self-identification statements. In order to be eligible for the CIHR/SSHRC awards, Black students must self-identify by checking the relevant box. Note: This self-identification information will be shared with Laurier’s strategic research initiatives officer, and, if awarded, publicly.
- When completing the Academic Background section, ensure to:
- Select the appropriate Institution (Wilfrid Laurier University) and department.
- Enter the accurate Name of Discipline (Degree Major or Degree Title)
- Enter the year and month of expected degree completion
- Under the Transcripts section, attach a PDF of your transcripts.
- These do not need to be official; however, they do need to meet specific requirements.
- You must download a copy of your unofficial transcript from LORIS. The transcript must show course completion and marks from the fall term.
- Non-Laurier students must submit an unofficial transcript with a legend on the back (see transcript section on NSERC’s website).
- Once the form is complete, select the Portfolio page and select “Verify” to ensure that all the required information has been entered.
- Once the verification is completed, the online system generates a reference number. Give this number to your supervisor, as they will need it to complete the next section (Form 202 part two).
Take these steps to complete Form 202 part two:
- Log in to NSERC’s online system. If it is your first time applying, you must register first.
- Complete the required information using your @wlu.ca email address.
- On the main page, select “Forms – Researcher” from the list under Forms management.
- From the “select form to be created” drop-down menu, select “Form 202 – Part II Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA).”
- Enter the student’s family name and reference number provided by the student to link Part I and Part II, creating a complete application.
- Enter Research subject code. Enter the appropriate code if the project is eligible for either of the following supplements:
- Complete the fields in each section listed under the left-hand menu, titled Form.
- When completing the section Outline of Proposed Research Project:
- Indicate the correct start date indicating the day, month and year (after May 1).
- Ensure the proposed research project is eligible for funding under the agency selected.
- Verify the student’s information is complete and accurate under section Preview Student’s Form (Part I).
- Go back to the My Portfolio page and select “Verify” to ensure all required information has been entered. The status of the application now shows “Completed.”
- The supervisor must select “Submit to LO” on the NSERC website in order for the forms to be received by the Office of Research Services and submitted to NSERC.