## [Research](/okanagan/get-experience/research) ![Two students examine green liquid](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2022-08/research%20image%20-croped.jpg.webp?itok=9S2ZdzSs) ## Undergraduate Student Research There are many opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved with innovative research at the School of Engineering. Students are encouraged to connect with faculty members and discuss their area of research expertise to learn more about ways to become involved. [Research](https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/research/) - Capstone is a fourth-year course running from September to April during which students work in teams to solve engineering problems. [Capstone Program](https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/capstone/) ## Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) Undergraduate Student Research Awards are available to UBC Engineering domestic and international undergraduate students. Students have the opportunity to complete a paid, full-time, 16-week work term by conducting research with faculty supervision. Domestic students can qualify for the **Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Awards (NSERC USRAs)**. International students can qualify for the **International Undergraduate Student Research Awards (IUSRAs).** **Please Note:** To qualify for these awards, students must reside in Canada for the entirety of the term due to regulations and restrictions set out by UBC. Please ensure you read the entirety of the corresponding section to ensure you are eligible. ### Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Awards (NSERC USRAs) Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to do research at the undergraduate level. The goals of the NSERC USRA program are: - To stimulate interest in natural sciences and engineering - To provide career-related work experience for the award recipient/student - To provide students with financial support #### Eligibility - Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) - Minimum cumulative average of 68% - Living in British Columbia, Canada during your entire work term. Please familiarize yourself with the award and the **full eligibility requirements** through the information found on the [UBC NSERC USRA webpage](https://students.ubc.ca/career/ubc-experiences/undergraduate-student-research-awards-nserc-cihr-sshrc/). #### Deadlines Applications must be submitted **directly to the School of Engineering by February 28, 2026 at 9:00 am (PST)** **Please note:** individual Faculties have their own associated deadlines, please confirm with your Supervisor as the **NSERC USRA deadline that applies will depend on the Supervisor’s home faculty, not the student’s.** #### **Work Terms** The Faculty of Applied Science is provided with a quota of NSERC USRAs annually for the UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. A USRA can be held during the following terms: - Summer (May 1 to August 31) - Fall (September 1 to December 31) - Winter (January 1 to April 31) There is **one application deadline** per academic year. #### How to Apply Connect with a professor who is willing to hire and supervise you for a research project. Then, carefully review the information below to proceed with the application process. A list of School of Engineering faculty with research foci can be found [here](https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/about/contact/). - Review eligible [UBC Okanagan Grant Holders in the School of Engineering](https://facultystaff.students.ubc.ca/sites/facultystaff.students.ubc.ca/files/NSERC%20USRA%202025-26%20Eligible%20Grant%20Holders%20for%20UBCO%20APSC_11.26.2024.pdf) - Use this [Resource Document](http://apsc-elc.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2021/02/Student-Research-Award-Resource-Document.pdf) to find a professor - [NSERC – List of Research Subject Codes for Scholarships and Fellowships](https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Help-Aide/ScholarshipCodes-CodesPourBourses_Eng.asp) The NSERC USRA application process for the Faculty of Applied Science is **two-fold**. 1\. Complete and submit Form 202 on the [NSERC website](https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-ServicesEnLigne/Index_eng.asp). Please refer to the [NSERC USRA Checklist for Common Errors](https://facultystaff.students.ubc.ca/sites/facultystaff.students.ubc.ca/files/NSERC%20USRA%202025-26%20Form%20202%20Common%20Errors_11.26.2024_AVP.pdf) and the resources provided under the ‘Additional Information’ section to ensure you have completed the form correctly: - [Part I Example](http://apsc-elc.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2021/02/NSERC-USRA-FORM-202-Part-I-Example.pdf) (to be filled by the student) - [Part II Example ](http://apsc-elc.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2021/02/NSERC-USRA-FORM-202-Part-I-Example.pdf)(to be filled by the supervisor). 2\. Follow the department-specific instructions to apply: - **To help students navigate the application, we have created an optional downloadable checklist:** [nserc-usra-checklist.docx](/sites/default/files/2026-01/nserc-usra-checklist.docx "nserc-usra-checklist.docx") - Complete both Form 202 Part I (Student Application) and Form 202 Part II (Supervisor Application) - Complete the downloadable [2026 NSERC USRA SOE Supplemental Information Form](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B70v7H-Ina0ocHZxjYI57F5L9JVihTSQ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117542890926043239548&rtpof=true&sd=true) - Download all forms, including supporting documents (e.g., official transcript) - Submit digitally (one PDF document) to with the Subject Line: NSERC USRA Application by the application deadline below Please note that these are the instructions to work with professors from the **Faculty of Applied Science**. If you are interested in working with a professor from another faculty, please contact them directly. #### Deadlines Applications must be submitted to the School of Engineering directly by **February 28, 2026 at 9:00 am (PST)** #### Additional Information Here are some important reference tools and required documents for students, supervisors, and coordinators that will help to explain application procedure, ensure the applicants are eligible, and that they complete the application correctly: - [NSERC USRA Info for Faculty Coordinators/Potential Supervisors/Students]() - [UBC NSERC USRA webpage](https://students.ubc.ca/career/ubc-experiences/undergraduate-student-research-awards-nserc-cihr-sshrc/) **For further questions, please email** [**soe.academicservices@ubc.ca**](mailto:soe.advising@ubc.ca) ### International Undergraduate Student Research Award (IUSRA) Application Deadline: **February 21, 2025 9:00AM** Value: $10,000 plus up to $1,500 for research related expenses The international undergraduate student research award (IUSRA) program supports international and undergraduate students to pursue innovative and original research as part of their learning experience while studying at UBC’s Okanagan campus. This award, offered through your faculty in partnership with the International Student Initiative, provides international undergraduate students an exceptional learning experience through engagement in research over the summer months. Students completing 75 credits by summer each year are eligible to submit proposals through their faculty for the award. Limited awards are available. See [IUSRA Information 2025](https://ok-soeadvising.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2025/02/2025-IUSRA-Information.docx), including eligibility, terms and conditions, and criteria) and the[ IUSRA Application Form 2025](), which must be submitted by your supervisor before the deadline. **Note: Updated award application forms are posted each January.** Contact if you have questions.