This page refers to NSERC USRA and OSOTF Scholarships only. For all others, please go to their respective pages.

NSERC USRA and OSOTF Scholarships

These research opportunities are geared to students in their 2nd and 3rd year of undergraduate studies in one of the Chemistry specialist or related programs. Female undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to apply. Outstanding 1st year students may be considered but only for OSOTF Scholarships. 

Eligibility
NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)

  • minimum ‘B’ average; first year students are excluded from this competition due to the challenges in confirming eligible cumulative averages before the awards are taken up;
  • registered as a full-time student in the natural sciences, and
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

OSOTF Scholarships

  • minimum ‘B’ average;
  • registered to be receiving financial assistance like OSAP;
  • registered as a UofT full-time student in the natural sciences, and
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Application
The application package must include the following documents and used for both NSERC USRA and OSOTF.

  1. Application Form. Download this form before you fill it out.
  2. Résumé
  3. Cover letter summarizing your academic achievements, special research interest, etc.
  4. Un-official copy of your transcript of records downloaded or printed from the web. UofT students may download a copyfrom ROSI/ACORN. Make sure that you select to print a copy with your name on it. Only selected students will be required to submit an official transcript,

Submit only documents that are listed above. An incomplete or incorrectly-completed application may be rejected. A research supervisor is NOT required when submitting an application. Students who are selected for the NSERC USRA will be further provided with information to complete NSERC Form 202-Part I at the NSERC website.

Students will be notified of the result of their application by mid-February of the current year. Only successful students will be asked to approach potential supervisors to discuss summer projects. A list of faculty members participating in the summer research will be provided at that time.  An OSOTF scholarship may be the appropriate award for a successful student who can demonstrate financial need (see eligibility under OSOTF scholarships).  

Deadline
Applications are due in the undergraduate office in LM151 no later than January 31. No application will be accepted after that date. Students from other universities may email their application to chem.undergrad@utoronto.ca or mail it to:

Undergraduate Office
Department of Chemistry
University of Toronto
80 St. George Street, Room 151
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 3H6