Research Awards
Getting involved with research as an undergraduate can help you implement your knowledge from courses in real life. It is common for a lot of students to not realize that they want to get into research until they actually do a research project in their final year.
Fortunately, University of Manitoba is the first Canadian university to offer undergraduate research awards open to undergraduate students in all fields and ranges of research, scholarly works, or creative activities. With a variety of awards available, students can start applying as early as after completing their first semester at the university.
Currently Available Awards
| Award | Value | Minimum CGPA | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| URA | $7,000 | 3.0 | – |
| NSERC | $8,570 | 3.5 | Only Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada |
| NSERC Indigenous | $8,570 | 3.0 | Only Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada & Indigenous students |
| NSERC Black Student Researchers | $8,570 | 3.5 | Only Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada & Black students |
| FoS USRA | $8,570 | 3.0 | Registered in a Faculty of Science Major or Honours program |
| The Jack Prior Memorial USR Prize | $8,570 | 3.5 | Registered in a Faculty of Science Major or Honours program |
| Philip Hultin Pedagogy Fund | $8,570 | 3.0 | – |
Note: These awards are very competitive, and not getting one doesn’t mean you’re not capable. If you're passionate about research, consider volunteering with a professor as a great way to gain experience and build connections.
Eligibility Requirements
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At the time of application (January), students must have completed at least 24 credit hours in a bachelor’s program within the previous year (January to December).
Exception: For the URA, students must be enrolled, not completed, in at least 24 credit hours at the time of the Voluntary Withdrawal deadline.
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Students must be registered in at least 80% course load (24 credit hours) across Fall and Winter Terms in any bachelor’s degree program.
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Application deadlines:
- USRA: Mid-January
- URA: Mid-February
Application Process
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Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the CGPA, credit hour, and citizenship requirements.
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Prepare Documents: Keep your web transcript and resumé ready.
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Find a Supervisor:
- Look through the potential supervisors section or approach any professor of your interest in the faculty listings.
- Prioritize professors you've taken courses with—familiarity helps.
- Start contacting them by October/November.
August/September may be too early; December/January might be too late. Professors usually supervise a max of 2 students per award.
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Craft a Good Email:
- Clear and concise subject line
- Brief self-introduction
- Reason for contacting them
- What you found interesting about their research (do your homework)
- Attach your transcript and resumé
- Offer specific times you’re available to meet
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During the Meeting:
- Take notes
- Show genuine interest
- Come prepared with questions
- Finalize a potential project (you’ll need this for your application)
- Clarify expectations or logistics for the research term
Once your professor agrees to supervise, wait for applications to open and give it your all.