Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program


The Spring Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) Program is intended to provide valuable, educational research experience for undergraduate students during the term. Applications are accepted in the first week of October each year, for the following Spring term.

2023 URA Spring Applications closed.

The portal for applications for Spring 2024 will open on November 1, 2023.

The program provides: 

Alternatively, opportunities to work with faculty on an individual basis in the Fall and Winter terms are posted to the URA Job Board.

There are numerous benefits for students who become involved in research during their undergraduate career. The experience allows undergraduate students to develop a better understanding of academic publishing, learn how to balance both collaborative and individual work, establish an area of interest and to start their careers as researchers.

While participating in the URA program, many students discover their passion for research. Many decide to pursue this passion through graduate studies and/or finding employment in the public sector related to their research skills.

URA Experiences


Below are testimonials from recent URA participants, giving you an inside view on their experiences with the program and the research they explored.


To learn more about past URA research publications.

Research


During the 16-week assistantship, a faculty member from the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization will mentor a student. The placement of a student with a specific faculty member is aligned with their research interests and will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Department Chair. To recognize the accomplishment of each student of the URA cohort, students will present their work at a seminar at the close of the program.

Eligibility


Qualified URA applications must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada or International students on study permits.

In addition, applicants must:

  • Be a student enrolled in either a full-time regular or co-op Bachelor of Mathematics program at a university or college. 
  • Eligible to work in Canada. 
  • Completed at least a 2B academic term. 
  • Be in good academic standing, holding a 80% GPA or higher. 

Student Stipend


As part of the URA program, research assistants will receive:

  • $12,000 stipend for program participation. 
  • Potential for travel to and from academic conferences. 

How to Apply


The Spring Program requires a formal on-line application (applications open in the Fall). Non-UW students are encouraged to apply. Fall or Winter applications are more informal, process can be found on the URA FAQs page.

Applications should include:

  • One collated .PDF file including: a cover letter detailing specific aims/objectives and a CV/resume with two references (including contact info). 
  • A copy of an unofficial transcript
  • Deadline to apply is December 2, 2022.

Applications will be reviewed based on the merit of the qualifications of the applicant.

Have further questions about an Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship?

View our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section.

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