If you are an undergraduate student and would like the opportunity to work alongside one of the 30+ research groups at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) in the summer, you should apply for the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) through the USEQIP application. Please see the USEQIP page for dates and deadlines.
Our faculty members are interested in working with exceptional, motivated students from a wide range of scientific backgrounds. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in an interdisciplinary research community, spanning mathematics, computing science, physics, chemistry, and engineering.
You also get to:
- Prepare for your graduate studies and research careers
- Gain a broad exposure to the field of quantum information processing
- Attend IQC seminars, lectures and student talks
IQC also welcomes final year students interested in doing their undergraduate research projects. Undergraduate Research Awards support full-time research and last a minimum of ten consecutive weeks.
Application information
Make sure to read the information below before applying to USEQIP and the URA program. The first section pertains to students both from Canada and international universities, while the second section is only relevant for students from universities outside of Canada. Make sure that you read the information that applies to your situation.
Information for all students (Canadian and International)
What is the deadline to apply? Where can I apply?
Please see the USEQIP page for deadlines and the application link. Applications for both Canadian and international students are due in early January, with references due approximately one week later. Your reference will not be contacted until you submit your completed application.
How do I find a research supervisor?
As part of your application, you may select supervisors that you are interested in working with. We will distribute your application to the supervisors you select for their consideration. We recommend selecting 3-6 supervisors of interest and ensuring that your cover letter conveys your specific interest in the research of their group.
How long can I stay at IQC for my URA? When can I start?
URAs need to be a minimum of ten weeks long for Canadian applicants and twelve weeks long for international applicants, starting as early as the start of May and finishing by the end of August. You should decide your start and end dates in discussion with your supervisor.
Where do I live during my URA?
You are responsible for your own housing. IQC will reserve a block of rooms at one of the University of Waterloo's residences that you are welcome to stay in with other USEQIP URAs. You may choose to find your own housing if you prefer.
Will I be paid?
Yes. Both Canadian and international students will be paid a salary that is contingent on funding and decided upon by their supervisor. Salaries will be noted in the cover letter.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Participation in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is mandatory for anyone who is visiting the University of Waterloo and is not eligible for Ontario Health Insurance. The cost of the plan can be deducted from your award amount. A Human Resources staff member will help you enroll for UHIP.
What if I want to do research in the Fall or Winter term?
Undergraduate research awards organized by the IQC are only available in the Spring term (May-August). Any opportunities in other terms are at the discretion of the research group leads.
Are there restrictions on who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
- Be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or combined undergraduate/master’s program
- Have one to three semesters remaining in their program after the end of the URA
See below for additional restrictions for international applicants.
International students
As part of a special partnership with Mitacs, international students selected for an IQC summer research project may also be eligible for additional funding through a unique initiative with the MITACS GlobalLink Research Internship program. Your source of funding will be different than students from within Canada.
Mitacs GRI applications will be evaluated alongside Undergraduate Research Award (URA) applications. Deadlines and applications are the same for both Canadian and international students.
If you are selected for this program, You can stay at IQC as a summer Mitacs GRI intern any time between May 1 and August 30, 2025 but you are required to stay a minimum of twelve weeks. You should decide on your start and end dates with your supervisor.
Is travel funding available? Are there other Mitacs GRI benefits I can use?
The Mitacs Globalink research internship award amount includes:
- Funding to contribute to the cost of a round-trip airfare to Canada (amount varies depending on country of origin)
- Funding to contribute to the cost of transportation from the airport in Canada to accommodation
- Stipend for housing (amount varies depending on country of origin)
- Stipend towards student enrollment fees (amount varies depending on host institution)
- Stipend for food and incidentals (amount varies depending on country of origin)
- Emergency health insurance policy for the duration of the internship
- Support from student mentors on campus in Canada
- Access to industry events and professional development courses
Do I pay taxes on my award?
Yes. Your award is subject to a 15% deduction of Canadian tax. Once you return to your home institute you can file to reclaim the money.
Do I need a work permit?
No. International student will come to Canada under the Global Skills Strategy program. Even though you are exempt from a work permit it is your responsibility to make sure you can enter Canada. You may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) depending on your citizenship.
Are students from any university eligible?
Any applicant who is currently affiliated with, or in receipt of funding or in-kind support from one or more of the institutions on the list of Named Research Organizations (NROs) is not eligible to participate in a Mitacs-funded project involving research that aims to advance a Sensitive Technology Research Area (STRA). Mitacs will also screen a sample of applications, selected at its sole discretion, and validate the accuracy of the completed declarations. Mitacs reserves the right to decline funding, at any point, for a project that advances a sensitive technology research area because of affiliations of concern.
Are there any other restrictions specific to international students?
Applicants must not have been awarded a Globalink Research Internship in the past. They must also be fluent in the language of the project (English and/or French).