University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA)

The purpose of the UTEA program is to provide opportunities for research experience at the undergraduate level in the Natural Sciences & Engineering (NSE), Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH), and Health & Life Sciences (HLS); to augment the formal research courses offered by the University of Toronto; to provide undergraduate students opportunities to gain direct research experience on a faculty-led project; to help students learn and appreciate the investigative methodologies of areas of particular interest; and to foster interest in and knowledge of careers in research.

Award Value and Duration

Award Value: Each UTEA award is valued at a minimum of $7,500. $5,250 is provided by the University and must be matched by a minimum of $2,250 from the student’s supervisor or the academic unit. Any supplement above this level may be set at the supervisor’s or unit’s discretion.

Duration: 14 full weeks during the summer term, beginning no earlier than May 1, 2024 and ending no later than September 2024.

Am I Eligible?

  • Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or international student with valid student visa for the full summer work term. 
  • Registered in a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Toronto either as: a) a full-time student, or b) as a part-time student only if it is the student’s final session and part-time classes are all that’s required to complete the degree.
  • Students must be registered either at the time of application, or in the term immediately before holding the award. So graduating students may hold an award in the term immediately following the completion of their undergraduate program, as long as they have not started a graduate program. 
  • Must have obtained a cumulative average of “B+” or higher. For students in higher years, this average can be applied to the best two years of study. 
  • May already hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and be studying towards a second bachelor’s degree in NSE, SSH, or HLS. 
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate professional degree program (e.g., M.D., D.D.S., B.Sc.N.).  
  • Holds higher degrees above Bachelor’s. 
  • Enrolled in graduate studies. 
  • A faculty member can hold a maximum of 2 UTEA awards per year.  
  • A supervisor must:
    • be a campus-based research or teaching stream faculty member at the University of Toronto, and
    • be a principal investigator (PI) on an active tri-agency (NSERC / SSHRC / CIHR) grant or have a pending tri-agency application at the start date of the UTEA (May 1st)
  • A student may only apply for one UTEA opportunity per year. 
  • A student may not concurrently hold a UTEA and an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) or other equivalent summer research award. 
  • Preference will be given to second- and third-year students. 
  • A student may hold a maximum of 3 UTEAs throughout their university career with priority given to first-time applicants. 

How Do I Apply?

  • Develop an excellent, feasible research project that you can conduct with a faculty supervisor over the summer   
  • Read through the Program Guidelines.  
  • UTEA applications are jointly submitted by: 1) the student and 2) the faculty member who will supervise and oversee the research project 
  • Submit your Application Form; student completes Part I, faculty member completes Part II. Forms should be submitted to your respective division (Faculty/Department) UTEA program contact 
  • Each Faculty will set its own application deadline – for late March/early April  

I’ve Applied — What’s Next?

  • Your application will be reviewed both for eligibility and by a divisional expert committee. Evaluative criteria includes: the quality of the research project, the student’s academic excellence, clear learning outcomes, and the degree of supervisor engagement.  
  • Award decisions will be sent in April, with expected May 1st award start dates. 

Research Environment and Fieldwork

Any additional research costs beyond the $7,500 stipendiary payment to the student, e.g. supplies, services, fieldwork (travel expenses) are the responsibility of the supervisor or the division. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. 

All divisions will ensure that opportunities are posted widely to attract a board and diverse pool of applicants, and review committees will consistently incorporate EDI principles into their processes. 

I Still Have Questions

UTEA applications and nominations are coordinated by each divisional research and/or undergraduate office. 

If you require additional information about the program, please contact undergraduate.research@utoronto.ca.

Faculty or CampusDivisional Deadline for UTEA ApplicationsName & TitleEmail
Applied Science and EngineeringNSE Awards; deadlines differ depending on department. Students should contact their departments to submit their applications. SSH and HLS Awards; application deadline of March 25, 2024. Submit applications to URIE@engineering.utoronto.caJennifer Banh, Undergraduate Research and International Experience CoordinatorURIE@engineering.utoronto.ca
Architecture, Landscape, and DesignFriday, March 22, 2024 by 4:00PMShirley Chan, Research Services Officershirley.chan@daniels.utoronto.ca
Arts & ScienceFriday, March 29, 2024Megan Tate, Research Operations Coordinatorresearch.artsci@utoronto.ca
DentistryTuesday, February 27, 2024Leah Raz, Administrative Assistantleah.raz@dentistry.utoronto.ca
InformationWednesday, March 27, 2024Christine Chan, Acting Associate Registrar, Student Services and Admissionschristinegrace.chan@utoronto.ca
Kinesiology & Physical EducationDan Moore, Interim Associate Deandr.moore@utoronto.ca
ManagementThursday, March 28, 2024Joanne Pereira, Manager, Research Servicesjoannep.pereira@rotman.utoronto.ca
MedicineTuesday, February 27, 2024Yasman Mohammadzadeh, Project Coordinator, Data and Awards Officermedicine.hse@utoronto.ca
Mississauga (UTM)Wednesday, March 27, 2024 for UTM departments to submit their ranked applications to OVPR. OVPR does NOT accept applications from faculty supervisors or students directly. Students should contact their departments to submit their applications.Rong Wu, Internal Competitions & Events Coordinatorrong.wu@utoronto.ca
MusicMonday, April 1, 2024Ely Lyonblum, Strategic Research Development Officerely.lyonblum@utoronto.ca
NursingShefali Ram, Research Managers.ram@utoronto.ca
OISEN/ALara Cartmale, Director, Research & International Initiatives,
Madeleine Taylor, Strategic Research Development Officer		oise.research@utoronto.ca
PharmacyWednesday, November 1, 2023Mike Folinas, Director, Research Administrationm.folinas@utoronto.ca
Public HealthMonday, April 1, 2024Lee Vernich, Director, Office of Researchresearch.dlsph@utoronto.ca
Scarborough (UTSC)Friday, March 22, 2024Ailén Cruz, Research Administration Officerailen.cruz@utoronto.ca
Social WorkMonday, April 1, 2024Vesna Bajic, Research Services Officervesna.bajic@utoronto.ca