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. For research projects in Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE), check with your departmental undergraduate office for more details on how to apply for the UTEAs. For research projects in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and in Health and Life Sciences (HLS), please read about the application process below.
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 Process
Please note that application deadlines vary per department. See below for instructions on how to apply based on the type of research project.
Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE) Research Projects
Contact your departmental undergraduate office for further details, including how to apply and the application process.
Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and Health and Life Sciences (HLS) Research Projects
Applications will be collected and adjudicated by the Vice Dean Undergraduate Office. To apply for a UTEA (SSH or HLS), you must create an application package that consists of:
- A completed UTEA Application Form
- Part I: Student Profile
- Part II: Proposed Supervisor and Research Project
- An unofficial ACORN transcript (please ensure your name is visible on the printout)
Combine the application package into one single PDF document and submit it online using this form.
The deadline to apply for a UTEA (SSH or HLS) is Monday, March 25, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. (ET).
If you have any questions about the UTEA for SSH and HLS research projects, contact the Undergraduate Research and International Experiences Coordinator at undergrad.research@engineering.utoronto.ca.