Awards & Scholarships

The UTM Department of Psychology has in-course scholarships that are awarded yearly. Students will be awarded based on their eligibility under each scholarship's criteria. Students should be advised that there are no application procedures. 

Please note: Only UTM campus students are eligible for these awards.

Undergraduate Summer Research Awards - 2026

Department Deadline: February 23, 2026

USRAs and UTEA's are designed to foster students' interest and cultivate their potential for a research career in health, natural sciences, or social sciences. These awards also aim to promote future graduate studies by offering valuable research experience that enhances academic learning. 

Awards Available 

URSA - NSERC (Undergraduate Research Student Award) - Eligibility and Award Information

  • Purpose: Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) are meant to nurture your interest and fully develop your potential for a research career in health, natural sciences and engineering, or social sciences and humanities. These awards are also meant to encourage you to undertake graduate studies by providing research work experience that complements your studies in an academic setting.
  • Psychological & Brain Sciences has been allocated 2 guaranteed NSERC USRA awards. 
    Self-identifying Indigenous and Black students are funded above and beyond this allocation by NSERC. (Full details available here)

UTEA (University of Toronto Excellence Award) 

  • Purpose: University of Toronto Excellence Awards (UTEA) are to provide opportunities for research experience at the undergraduate level in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE), social sciences and humanities (SSH), or health and life sciences (HLS); to augment the formal research courses offered by the University of Toronto. The program is intended 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. 

Important Note:  Applicants MUST have an eligible faculty supervisor to apply to any of the above awards.

Award Value

  • Awards are valued at a minimum of $7500 through a combination of NSERC/University and Department funds. Students can be paid more than $7500; any additional top-up is the responsibility of the supervisor

Duration of Awards -  14-16 consecutive weeks 

University of Toronto Mississauga administers this program in the summer months only, between May 1st and September 30th.

Eligibility of Students

  • Registered in a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Toronto at the time of application and in at least one of the two terms immediately before holding the award.
  • Graduating (i.e. 4th year) students may hold an award in the summer 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. Exception letters may be considered.
  • May already hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and be studying towards a second bachelor’s degree.
  • For UTEA: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student with valid visa for the full summer term are eligible.
  • For USRA: Canadian citizen or permanent resident. International students are ineligible for USRAs.

Notes:

A student may only hold one award – either UTEA or USRA – per year and cannot concurrently hold any other equivalent summer research award.

A student may hold a maximum of three awards – any combination of UTEAs or USRAs – throughout their university career with priority given to first-time applicants.

Ineligibility of Students

Students are ineligible if they:

  • Are currently enrolled in an undergraduate professional degree program (e.g., M.D., D.D.S., B.Sc.N.).
    • Exception: does not apply to CIHR USRAs (students in the HLS field and who self-identify as Black)
  • Hold higher degrees above Bachelor’s.
  • Are currently or have at any time been enrolled in graduate studies.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity.

The USRA program allocates awards dedicated to:

  • Indigenous student researchers (NSERC only)
  • Black student researchers (any discipline: NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)

There is no change to the application process for these awards, other than that the student applicant must self-identify as Black or Indigenous at the time of application.

Application Process for Psychological & Brain Sciences Students

Questions?

Please email utmpsych.utm@utoronto.ca

Awarded to a student with high standing who is entering fourth year of the Psychology Specialist program. 

NOTE: This award is an In-Course Scholarship. No application procedures.

Awarded to a full-time or part-time student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and intellectual curiosity, and who has encouraged a love of scholarship through either his/her own personal attitude and achievement or through his/her assistance to others. Registration in the Psychology Specialist program is required.

NOTE: This award is an In-Course Scholarship. No application procedures. 


 

Awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in Introduction to Psychology (PSY100Y5) during their first year of University.

NOTE: This award is an In-Course Scholarship. No application procedures. 

Awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in all their courses during their second-year of University.  The recipient must apply and gain admission into one of the following Specialist programs offered by the UTM Department of Psychology: Psychology, Exceptionality in Human Learning & Neuroscience.

NOTE: This award is an In-Course Scholarship. No application procedures. 

The UTM Future Leaders in Mental Health Award is a prestigious award that recognizes the exceptional achievements of UTM students. Awarded to an upper year UTM student enrolled in a Major or Specialist program in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences who has shown strong leadership and high academic achievement with a clear dedication to build a professional future in the field of Mental Health. Demonstrated commitment to community service are a requirement for this scholarship.  

  • Eligibility: Open to Upper year students in any of our programs with a demonstrated interest in the field of mental health.
  • Criteria: Academic excellence, and a personal statement explaining your interest, and your research in the field of mental health. Your statement should demonstrate your passion for this discipline and address your future plans (career, research, etc.).
  • Application Deadline: December 7, 2025
  • How to Apply: Visit the Scholarship Application Portal to complete the online application.

Established in memory of a beloved member of our community, this award aims to recognize individuals who exemplify qualities such as kindness, compassion, and dedication to helping others. If you embody these values, we encourage you to apply for this meaningful award. Community involvement and personal qualities will be taken into consideration. Preference will be given to students in the Exceptionality and Human Learning program in 3rd or 4th year, but students may be considered from the Psychology Major, Psychology Specialist, or Neuroscience Specialist programs.
 
  • Eligibility: Open to students in the Exceptionality and Human Learning Specialist, Psychology Major/Specialist, or Neuroscience Specialist, all in 3rd or 4th year. Students must demonstrate kindness, compassion, and dedication.
  • Criteria: High academic standing and a personal statement explaining your positive impact on the community and exemplification of Linda Kralik's values.
  • Application Deadline: December 7, 2025
  • How to Apply: Visit the Scholarship Application Portal to complete the online application.