As one of Canada’s most research-intensive universities, Queen’s offers opportunities for its students to engage in research programs from the early stages of their careers. The university is now accepting applications for two summer undergraduate research programs, the Undergraduate Student Summer Research Fellowships (USSRF) and the tri-council Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA).

These unique opportunities allow students to develop their potential for a research career while working full-time under the supervision of Queen’s faculty researchers. The 16-week fellowship is valued at $9,800.

In 2024, Queen’s institutional program, the USSRF, will fund up to 70 fellowships across all areas of research. Additionally, the university has up to 75 spots available for student researchers in natural sciences and engineering through the USRA program, funded mostly by the tri-council.

Applications are due in mid-February.

Opportunities for Black and Indigenous students

To help address the disproportionate underfunding of Black and Indigenous scholars at the undergraduate level nationally, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) have allocated funds through the USRA to support Black- and Indigenous-identifying students.

Queen’s may recommend applications from self-identified Black and Indigenous student researchers beyond their allocated quota to participate in NSERC projects, supported by USRA. Interested students should contact the home department of potential supervisors to request an application form and information about internal deadlines.

At the present time, CIHR- and SSHRC-funded USRA are exclusive for Black student researchers and Queen’s has received a limited allocation from each granting agency. Students interested in joining research programs in health sciences, humanities, social sciences or the arts should contact the research program coordinator.

For more information on how to apply to the USSRF and USRA, visit the Vice-Principal Research portfolio website.