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Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
The Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) program provides students with paid opportunities to participate in faculty-supervised research. The USRA program prepares students to pursue graduate studies and encourages interest in research careers.
USRA recipients participate in a coordinated USRA program with USRA students in disciplines all across SFU. The program will include an orientation day featuring research and professional development workshops, mid-term workshops and networking opportunities, and an end of semester undergraduate research showcase.
Working on a USRA project can potentially be counted towards a co-op work term. Please contact the to learn more.
2027 USRA Information Session
November 25, 2026 | 5:00-6:30 PM | Room K9509
to secure your seat!
Award Options
The Department of Mathematics offers three award streams: the Tri-Agency (NSERC) USRA, the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) USRA, and the Department of Mathematics supervisor-supported USRA.
NSERC USRA
- Funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Department of Mathematics faculty supervisor, with a minimum value of $12,000.
- Must be held full-time (35 hours/week).
- Open only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- Full award details available here.
Vice President Research and Innovation USRA
- Funded by Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation and the Department of Mathematics faculty supervisor, with a minimum value of $2000 and a maximum value of $12,000.
- May be full-time or part-time.
- Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
- Full award details available here.
Department of Mathematics USRA
- Fully-funded by a Department of Mathematics faculty supervisor.
- May be full-time or part-time.
- Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
- Funding will be dependent on the number of hours worked, determined in consultation with the faculty supervisor.
How to Apply
I do not have a supervisor
If you do not have a supervisor:
- Apply for the Department of Mathematics Matching Option (click on link for a new page with details).
I have a supervisor
If you have a supervisor:
- If applying for NSERC/VPRI, review all eligiblity requirements and follow the instructions to apply here. Be mindful of deadlines!
- If the USRA will be funded solely by the project supervisor, talk to your supervisor about next steps.
This section will be updated as new research project proposals are submitted - check back regularly! Unless otherwise indicated, each project is available for one USRA student only.