If you’re an international student, this summer 2026 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.
Note: it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the proper immigration documentation to be able to work in Canada.
How to Apply
Option 1: Recommended
Near the end of November, applications will open on UBC CareersOnline. Work with a faculty member to submit a joint proposal by Wednesday Jan 28, 2026. Your supervisor will need to first create an account on UBC CareersOnline if they don’t have one yet, and then submit your joint proposal (refer to this step-by-step guide).
The proposal is typically reviewed and considered by your supervisor’s home Department or Faculty. Please ensure to double check any additional requirements the Department or Faculty might have (refer to the Departmental or Faculty’s research awards info online, if available). For example, you might also be asked to apply to the Department, in addition to submitting a proposal via UBC CareersOnline.
The Department or your supervisor will notify you of the result of your application in March.
Note that some Science departments may have an internal selection process to match their students with projects and funding programs; check out your Department’s research awards info online to learn more about Departmental policies or systems.
Option 2:
Some funded projects may have open positions posted on UBC CareersOnline for interested students to apply between March 9 and 25, 2026.
Next Steps and More Questions
Have further questions after checking the Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards program’s information? Contact the relevant office or Department:
| General program inquiries: UBC Career Centre | Email contact or call 604 827 2937 |
| Science-specific inquiries: Science Dean’s Office | Email contact |
| Student study or work permit inquiries: International Student Advising | Drop-in advising or call 604 822 5021 |
| Science Department | USRA Coordinator |
|---|---|
| Botany | Alice Liou |
| Chemistry Chemistry Summer Research Awards | Molly Wang |
| Computer Science Computer Science Research Award Opportunities | Josh Bruan |
| Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences | Emma Liu |
| Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) | Kristen Eredics |
| Institute for the Ocean and Fisheries (IOF) | Ariel Yu Jennifer Douglas |
| Mathematics Mathematics Undergraduate Research Positions | Katie Wong |
| Microbiology and Immunology Microbiology and Immunology Financial Support | Jiaojiao Lu Dr. David Oliver |
| Physics and Astronomy Physics & Astronomy Undergraduate Summer Research Awards | Shawn Salgadoe |
| Statistics Statistics Summer Undergraduate Research Assistants | Mairéad Roche |
| Zoology Zoology Undergraduate Research Opportunities | Mimi Yu |
*Note that some departmental webpages may not have been updated yet to reflect the 2026 program information.
Other Major Research Award Programs for Undergrad Students
The information regarding 2026-2027 NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) and Summer 2026 Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Awards will be available in the new year. Stay tuned and keep an eye out in the Distillation newsletter.