SURP Details

Domestic Students 

Participants in the IMS Summer Undergraduate Research Program must be pursuing an undergraduate science degree program or enrolled in 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 2023 intake will be available at the end of the year 2022. 

International Students 

SURP is a wonderful opportunity for students from around the world to gain hands-on research experience at the University of Toronto.  It is available to undergraduate or medical students who are not Canadian Citizens or permanent residents and do not have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).  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.

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. 

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 a 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 2023 intake will be available at the end of the year 2022 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 $5,000 in total (June-August) 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 ($5,000) 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 $2,500. IMS funding is subject to availability. This option is a competitive process and not guaranteed. 
• Limit of one joint funded applicant 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.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be accepting any international students for the SURP 2023 program. 

Requirements 

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

• Are not a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident and do not have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) (if you currently study at a Canadian university and have a SIN you should apply as a domestic student)
• Are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program or medical school at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada
• Have an average of B+ or 77%, or higher

Home University Funding

Your Home University must provide full funding for: 

• All costs related to health insurance and Canadian study permit/visa application fee
• All costs related to travel
• A total student stipend of CDN $5,000 towards food, accommodation and other living expenses while in Toronto
• Students must ensure home institution signs the funding agreement with the University of Toronto, see SURP Application Forms

Visas

All international students will need a valid Canadian visa to participate in the program. Students can apply for the visa on being accepted to the program and an offer being sent to them.