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Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) - Canada
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Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)

Supports Black undergraduate research experience and encourages graduate studies
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 6,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Canada

Overview

The Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) provides up to $6,000 plus a host institution contribution to nurture undergraduate students’ interest and potential for a research career and to encourage graduate studies. Funding supports paid research work experience in an academic setting in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 6,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 6,000 $
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Educational services
  • Health care and social assistance
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Black Canadians
  • Canadians

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Undertake an undergraduate research project in an academic setting to gain research work experience (health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences or humanities).

Processing and Agreement

  • The institution you selected reviews the application (including relevance review) and forwards it to the agency by the institutional cut-off date.
  • The sponsors (CIHR with NSERC/SSHRC) use the submitted application and nominative information to support relevance review and/or funding decisions, as applicable.
  • A funding decision is issued according to the competition timeline (anticipated notice of decision dates are published for each term).
  • If you have questions about the review process or next steps, the program directs applicants to contact the institution’s Faculty of Graduate Studies (or equivalent).

Additional information

  • The total budget announced for this funding opportunity is $1,020,000, intended to support approximately 170 awards.
  • The program is delivered by CIHR in partnership with NSERC and SSHRC.
  • Deadlines shown are institutional cut-off dates for forwarding applications to the Agency; each eligible institution sets its own internal deadline for applicants.
  • Applicants are asked to review CIHR’s general policies and guidelines (including the CIHR Funding Policies and the CIHR Application Administration Guide – Part 2) before submitting.

Contacts

USRA-BRPC@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
613-954-1968

Frequently Asked Questions about the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)?

The Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) provides up to $6,000 plus a host institution contribution to nurture undergraduate students’ interest and potential for a research career and to encourage graduate studies. Funding supports paid research work experience in an academic setting in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities.

How much funding can be received?

Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) Funds up to $6,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) program?

To be eligible for the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) program, you must: No organization/business eligibility criteria specified in the provided information.

What expenses are eligible under Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)?

Undertake an undergraduate research project in an academic setting to gain research work experience (health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences or humanities).

Who can I contact for more information about the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)?

You can contact Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) by email at USRA-BRPC@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or by phone at 613-954-1968.

Where is the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) available?

The Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) program is available across Canada.

Is the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) is a Grant and Funding

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