The University of Toronto Excellence Awards (UTEAs) are fellowships awarded to undergraduate students to work on research projects under the supervision of faculty members who hold an active NSERC, SSHRC, or CIHR research grant, either as a principal investigator or co-investigator.
These awards provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to gain direct research experience on a faculty-led project.
There are a limited number of awards available. Check with your departmental undergraduate office for more details on how to apply for the UTEAs.
Award Value
UTEAs are valued at a minimum of $7,500. Of this $7,500, $5,250 is provided by the University and the remaining $2,250 must be matched by the student’s department or faculty supervisor. Any supplement above this level may be set at the supervisor's or department's discretion.
Award Duration
UTEAs run for 14 full weeks during the Summer Session between May to August.
Award Eligibility
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a foreign student with a valid student visa for the entire summer work term.
- Be registered either as:
- A full-time student, or
- A part-time student only if the UTEA will be held during the student’s final session and the student requires only a part-time course load to complete their degree
- Be registered as a student either at the time of application or in the term immediately before the award start date. 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.
- Have obtained a cumulative average of "B+" or higher. For upper-year students, this average can be applied to their best two years of study.
Notes to Consider
- Students 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 any other equivalent summer research award.
- Preference will be given to second and third-year students.
- Students may hold a maximum of three UTEAs throughout their university career, with priority given to first-time applicants.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary per department.
Contact your departmental undergraduate office for further details, including how to apply and the application process.