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 $9,632 for a 16-week term through May to August, with $7,224 from Western, and a faculty-level match of $2,408.

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

Students must have been enrolled at Western in an undergraduate program in Winter 2025 and should be planning to attend Western in Fall 2025.

Preference will be given to students entering their fourth year of study in Fall 2025, and 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, supervisor's must fill out the form.

Faculty of Social Science 2025 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 2025 USRI Application Form (Unmatched Stream)

Deadline

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application to the 2025 USRI competition. The adjudication process has concluded. Congratulations to those who were successful!

For more information or frequently asked questions, please visit the Social Science USRI info page.