Search Website
Western Undergraduate Summer Research Internship Program (USRI)
The Western Undergraduate Summer Research Internships (USRIs) provide undergraduate students with engaged research experiences under the mentorship of a faculty member and are intended to stimulate undergraduate students’ interest in research through direct exposure and hands-on experiences conducting research. Through participation in this program, students gain valuable and high-impact research, technical and professional skills that will help support academic and career development towards their future professional goals. Faculty mentors benefit from meaningful engagement, assistance towards their research program and can use the opportunity to further a diverse HQP training environment.
USRIs are valued at a minimum of $9,856 for a 16-week term through May to August, with $6,900 provided from Western, and a minimum faculty-level match of $2,956.
Eligibility
Supervisor
Must hold a research-eligible appointment in Social Science; if you hold a joint appointment, please apply to your primary Faculty.
Additional co-supervisors do not need to hold a research-eligible appointment
Student
Preference will be given to students entering their fourth year of study in Fall 2026, but any student planning to return to Western in Fall 2026 as an undergraduate or graduate student is eligible.
We will give preference to applications from under-represented, economically disadvantaged, and first-generation students.
Application
Social Science applications will be accepted from two streams:
Matched Stream
Students and supervisors who wish to work together on a research project apply together. Please note that in the matched stream, supervisors must fill out the form.
Faculty of Social Science 2026 USRI Application Form (Matched Stream)
Unmatched Stream
Students apply individually providing a list of general topics of interest, as well as the names of 3-5 faculty members you might wish to work with during your internship. You will need to upload a copy of your unofficial transcript as part of the application process.
Please note that if you are applying through the unmatched stream you can only apply to your home department. The department will match the student to a suitable supervisor and project based on mutual interests.
Faculty of Social Science 2026 USRI Application Form (Unmatched Stream)
Deadline
The deadline to submit is Saturday, February 28. Due to the competative nature of the program, late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
For more information or frequently asked questions, please visit the Social Science USRI https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/research/usri.html info page.