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), or 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, 2025 and ending no later than September 30, 2025.

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. 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 two UTEA awards per year.  
  • A supervisor must:
    • be a full-time faculty member whose primary employer is the University of Toronto
    • 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 three UTEAs throughout their university career with priority given to first-time applicants. 

How Do I Apply?

I’ve Applied — What’s Next?

  • Your application will be reviewed both for eligibility and by a divisional expert committee. Evaluative criteria include: 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 CampusName & TitleEmail
Applied Science and EngineeringTBDundergrad.research@engineering.utoronto.ca
Architecture, Landscape, and DesignShirley Chan, Research Services Officershirley.chan@daniels.utoronto.ca
Arts & ScienceMegan Tate, Research Operations Coordinatorresearch.artsci@utoronto.ca
DentistryLeah Raz, Administrative Assistantleah.raz@dentistry.utoronto.ca
InformationChristine Chan, Acting Associate Registrar, Student Services and Admissionschristinegrace.chan@utoronto.ca
Kinesiology & Physical EducationTim Welsh, Associate Dean, Researcht.welsh@utoronto.ca
ManagementJoanne Pereira, Manager, Research Servicesjoannep.pereira@rotman.utoronto.ca
MedicineYasman Mohammadzadeh, Project Coordinator, Data and Awards Officermedicine.hse@utoronto.ca
Mississauga (UTM)Rong Wu, Internal Competitions & Events Coordinatorrong.wu@utoronto.ca
MusicEly Lyonblum, Strategic Research Development Officerely.lyonblum@utoronto.ca
NursingShefali Ram, Research Managers.ram@utoronto.ca
OISELara Cartmale, Director, Research & International Initiatives,
Madeleine Taylor, Strategic Research Development Officer		oise.research@utoronto.ca
PharmacyMike Folinas, Director, Research Administrationm.folinas@utoronto.ca
Public HealthLee Vernich, Director, Office of Researchresearch.dlsph@utoronto.ca
Scarborough (UTSC)Ailén Cruz, Research Administration Officerailen.cruz@utoronto.ca
Social WorkVesna Bajic, Research Services Officervesna.bajic@utoronto.ca