Research opportunities for Science undergraduates in 2024

As a UBC Science student, you may be interested in undertaking an academic research experience during your undergrad.

Below are three of the major opportunities you can explore. Be sure to thoroughly read all requirements, conditions, and considerations.

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)

Through these awards, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) subsidizes eligible faculty supervisors to hire students to work on interesting research-related jobs and projects. If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, consider applying for this award to work full-time with a UBC professor for a minimum of 16 weeks. 

How to apply

Check with the relevant Science department for their specific application process. Apply through your home department or, if different, through the potential faculty supervisor's department. Deadlines vary by department throughout Term 2; the earliest deadline is late January. See more information on the above program webpage.

Other resource: the NSERC USRA faculty and staff-facing webpage

Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards (WL IURA)

If you're an international student, this summer 2024 program might be for you! Work on a full-time research project with a faculty supervisor, and grow your skills in communication and project management in a research environment over a minimum of 16 weeks.

How to apply

Work with a faculty member to submit a joint proposal by January 30, 2024 (extended to February 6, 2024). Note that some Science departments may have an internal selection process to match their students with projects; check out your department's research awards page to see if they have such an option. Alternatively, some funded projects may have open positions on UBC CareersOnline for interested students to apply between March 11 and 24, 2024. See more information on the above program webpage.

Note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the proper immigration documentation to be able to work in Canada. 

Other resource: the WL IURA faculty and staff-facing webpage

Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Awards

The SURE program funded by the Faculty of Science subsidizes faculty supervisors to hire Science students to work on full-time research projects during the Summer Session. It is a great opportunity to gain research experience through a project of 8 consecutive weeks or longer.

The SURE Awards are available to domestic or international B.Sc. or BCS students on the Vancouver Campus. Graduating students may be eligible as well. Research work may take place on campus or remotely, but you must reside within B.C. Canada during the tenure of the award. For international students, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the proper immigration documentation to be able to work in Canada.

These awards have a value of up to $3,500. The minimum pay for your project must meet or exceed the B.C. minimum wage standards ($16.75/hour as of June 1, 2023). Your supervisor will receive the funds after your appointment usually in October/November.

How to apply

Apply through one of the departments/programs listed below. Note that some departments/programs may have additional eligibility requirements.

For department-specific questions, please contact the relevant USRA coordinator below. For general or other inquiries, please contact ugradawards@science.ubc.ca.