SURP Details

Domestic Students 

Participants in the IMS Summer Undergraduate Research Program must be pursuing an undergraduate degree program with a focus in science (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. 

Applications must now flow through RHSE. Application information can be found here  

International Students 

International students that currently study in Canadian universities, have a SIN, and have a valid Study Permit into the following Fall semester are eligible to apply (please see “Domestic Students” tab for more information). 

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 $7,140 in total (June-August 2026) 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 ($7,140) 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 $4,640. 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)
• Have an average of B+ cumulative GPA (3.3/4.0 or 77%) or higher.

Domestic Students Application Form 

The Domestic application package for 2026 intake will be available through the Research in Health Science and Education Website in Winter Semester 2025 and applicants will need the following:

• Copy of your transcripts (unofficial copy is acceptable)
• GPA information
• Supervisor's contact information
• Title of your summer research project
• Complete the Summer Research Awards Management System (SumRAMS) form here
  • Once you have submitted the student application form, you will receive an email confirming submission of the form which will provide instructions on how to submit your transcript. Your transcript must be received by the application February 25, 2026, 5:00pm EST deadline
  • your supervisor will receive a prompt to complete Part 2 of the application (a PI form). Your supervisor must complete Part 2 of the application by March 4, 2026 at 5:00 pm EST

Funding Methods 

The following funding options are available to domestic students accepted to the program. Students receive a minimum stipend $7,140 in total (June-August 2026) 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 ($7,140) 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 $4,640. 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: TBA

Time: 8:45am-11:00am

Location: TBA

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 2026: the weekly seminars will be taking place on Thursdays from 9:00am-10:00am in-person, location TBA 

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 2026 Research Day

Date: TBA

Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Faculty Club, 41 Wilcocks St Toronto ON

Keynote:

Keynote Talk: