1. NSERC USRAs
November 15, 2018

2. What is the NSERC USRA?
NSERC – Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [of Canada]
USRA – Undergraduate Student Research Award
Why should you want one?
Gain great experience
Prestigious
Summer job
NSERC provides grants for research – this is paid research
Usually research takes place in the summer months

3. In Order to Apply… Academic Requirements: You need a supervisor
Minimum cumulative average of 70%
Other Requirements:
Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Registered in a bachelor’s degree
No thesis work or course work during this time
Students in 1st – 4th year who are interested in research and applying their knowledge
Supervisor must hold an active NSERC grantCan only hold one award per year and only three during their academic career

4. Requirements for this work
Time: must work 16 weeks
(8hours/day; 5days/week)
When: in the summer
Money: $4,500 plus at least $1125
Project: varies based on supervisor
Can only hold one award per year and only three during their academic career
Requirements for this work
It is like a full time job – must dedicate 8 hours/day, 5 days/week – work this out with your supervisor
This is usually done in the summer
It is a paid position – NSERC pays $4,500; the university pays a minimum of 25% of that on top – so add $1125 – will be making a minimum of $5,625
The actual project varies depending on the supervisor and what their lab works on
Side note: you may only be rewarded one scholarship per year, and may only hold 3 in your academic career

5. Due Dates Biology – December 19
Chemistry and Biochemistry – January 22
Psychology - SSHRC
Due Dates
Each department has its own due date – check their websites for more information
These are last years dates
SSHRC – Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

6. Form 202 part 1 – application for an undergraduate student research award
Form 202 part 2 – application for an undergraduate student research award in university
The Application Forms
These forms can be found on the NSERC website
Must fill out both and hand in by the due date

7. The Application Process
Find a prof
Fill out your applications
Get a copy of your transcripts
Will get a reference number
Give supervisor your reference
Ask if you need help
Get everything in on time!
Wait….
The results!
Find a prof – make to ask if they have an active NSERC research grant because wont be able to apply or work with them without it
Fill out your applications – hand in the university one to the respective office
Get a copy of transcripts – this may be done online or at Registrars
Make sure to get a reference number
Give said number to your supervisor
The Application Process

8. Good luck!
And happy researching