SURP Details

Domestic Students 

Participants in the IMS Summer Undergraduate Research Program must be pursuing an undergraduate degree program with a focus in science or enrolled in first or second year of medical school (without a previously obtained graduate degree).

• Undergraduate applicants must have an average of B+ Cumulative GPA (3.3/4.0 or 77%) or higher.
• Participants who apply for IMS funding must hold a Cumulative GPA of A- (3.7 GPA, 80% or First Class Distinction) or higher. 
• Medical student applicants must not hold a graduate degree and must be in good standing as determined by their school registrar. 

Application Package for 2025 intake will be available at the end of the year 2024. 

International Students 

International students that currently study in Canadian universities and have a SIN should apply as Domestic students (please see “Domestic Students” tab for more information).  The IMS accommodates a limited number of international students each year. 

• Undergraduate  or medical school applicants must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada and have an average of B+ or 77%, or higher. 

You are required to initiate your own student/supervisor match by contacting supervisor(s) directly, before submitting your application.  Students who are able to secure a supervisor but whose applications do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements will not be considered for funding.

Funding Methods 

The following funding options are available to domestic students accepted to the program. Students receive a minimum stipend $6,974 in total (June-August 2025) through one of the following: 

Option 1: External Funding 

• You fund your summer research through an external grant or award. The IMS office does not administer this option. For possible sources of external funding visit the Faculty of Medicine, Research Office. 

Option 2: Full Funding from Supervisor 

• Your supervisor funds you ($6,974) through an operating grant, affiliated research facility funds etc. The IMS office does not administer this option. 

Option 3: Joint Funding* 

• IMS provides $2,500 and your supervisor provides the remaining $4,474. IMS funding is subject to availability. This option is a competitive process and not guaranteed. 
• Limit of two joint funded applicants per supervisor. 
• You must have an average of A- (3.7/4.0 or 80%) or higher Cumulative GPA. 
• If the joint funding is not successful, you and your supervisor should come to an agreement on alternate plans for funding. 

Funding for administration of joint awards is provided by: 

• Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Award.
• IMS SURP Director Award. 
• IMS Administered Award enabled by our funding partners.
• Jasmine Quigley Memorial Award.

Requirements 

The domestic application process applies to you if you: 

• Are a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident and have a valid Social Insurance Number
• Are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (including final 4th year) or first and second year of medical school
• Have an average of B+ cumulative GPA (3.3/4.0 or 77%) or higher. Medical students must not hold a graduate degree and must be in good standing as determined by their registrar

Domestic Students Application Form 

The Domestic application package for 2024 intake will be available at the end of the year 2023 and will consist of the following: 

• Most recent official transcript (screenshots of electronic records and hard copies will not be accepted) -> for undergraduate students
• Official letter of Good Standing with institutional seal and signature, obtained from current university -> for medical students only
• Current CV/Resume highlighting awards, abstracts, presentations, publications 

Funding Methods 

The following funding options are available to domestic students accepted to the program. Students receive a minimum stipend $6,974 in total (June-August 2025) through one of the following: 

Option 1: External Funding 

• You fund your summer research through an external grant or award. The IMS office does not administer this option. For possible sources of external funding visit the Faculty of Medicine, Research Office. 

Option 2: Full Funding from Supervisor 

• Your supervisor funds you ($6,974) through an operating grant, affiliated research facility funds etc. The IMS office does not administer this option. 

Option 3: Joint Funding* 

• IMS provides $2,500 and your supervisor provides the remaining $4,474. IMS funding is subject to availability. This option is a competitive process and not guaranteed. 
• Limit of two joint funded applicants per supervisor. 
• You must have an average of A- (3.7/4.0 or 80%) or higher Cumulative GPA. 
• If the joint funding is not successful, you and your supervisor should come to an agreement on alternate plans for funding. 

Funding for administration of joint awards is provided by: 

• Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Award.
• IMS SURP Director Award. 
• IMS Administered Award enabled by our funding partners.
• Jasmine Quigley Memorial Award.

Requirements 

The IMS accommodates a limited number of international students each year.  The international application process applies to you if you:

• You are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or medical program at a Canadian University
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Have a Study Permit valid up to the Fall semester
• Have an average of B+ or 77%, or higher

International applicants who are eligible to apply complete and follow the same application process as domestic applicants.

Visas

All international students will need a valid Canadian visa to participate in the program.

The IMS offers a 12-week (June 1 – August 24) immersive experience in a laboratory or clinical setting within the University of Toronto community.  You are expected to be present for the complete duration of the program, with no exceptions.

IMS SURP Orientation is an opporunity to learn more about the IMS Summer Undergraduate Research Program, connect with fellow SURP students, meet graduate students from the Institute of Medical Science, and get your questions answered.

SURP 2025 Orientation

Date: Wednesday June 4, 2025

Time: 8:45am-11:00am

Location: Medical Science Building (MSB) Room 2173

As part of this program, IMS offers a weekly seminar series for the summer students that allows them to get a glimpse of the variety of tremendous research being conducted by IMS faculty and students. 

SURP 2025: the weekly seminars will be taking place on Wednesdays from 9:00am-10:00am in-person in Room 2173 in the Medical Science Building (MSB).

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) culminates in an annual Research Day where students showcase their work to a diverse audience of faculty and students.

Students present their summer research in either a podium or poster presentation and a keynote address is delivered by a prominent IMS faculty member. The event concludes with an awards ceremony.

More information on SURP Research Day can be found here.

SURP 2025 Research Day

Date: Wednesday August 13, 2025

Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Faculty Club, 41 Wilcocks St Toronto ON

Keynote: Dr. Brian Ballios

Keynote Talk: "Discovering new molecular and cellular therapies for inherited retinal disease"