NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards
at
McMaster University

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Summer 2026

These prestigious awards enable undergraduate students to spend the summer (16 consecutive weeks) working with a research group.  If you are interested in spending “Summer 2026″ working with a McMaster University researcher, and you have at least a 9.0 cumulative average (or above) we invite you to apply through the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. See a list of available USRA and Research Projects (PDF) for the summer. Students must contact a prospective supervisor before submitting an application.

The awards total stipend is approximately $9,856 for the 16 weeks: NSERC award of $6000* + University contribution $3856*.
(*Approximate value, final value will be determined later).

Applications are invited from all qualified students in level 2 and above.

Application Procedure

1. Visit the NSERC website and determine if you are eligible for the award, read the instructions.
2. Contact a prospective supervisor
3. Obtain a transcript (to include December 2025 results) we will accept unofficial transcripts at the application stage
4. Login to NSERC website and fill in Form 202 Part 1 on-line (must be filled in on-line there will be no exceptions) upload your transcript.
5. Give your NSERC reference number to your potential supervisor so that they can fill out Form 202 Part 2 on-line.
6. Self-identification Declaration Form
7. Completed applications (Part 1, Part 2, transcript and self-identification declaration form) should be sent as a combined pdf document to Rabia Awan, awanr@mcmaster.ca by 4pm on February 14th, 2026 

The James Stewart Fund

The James Stewart Fund provides funding for students in Mathematics and Statistics to participate in academic and professional opportunities that might not otherwise be available to them. These opportunities can include, but are not limited to:

• Summer research with faculty at McMaster or other institutions
  (projects for McMaster faculty can be reviewed here)

• Travel to conferences or workshops

• Outreach and community engagement activities

Eligibility

Undergraduate students at McMaster may apply for research opportunities not covered by NSERC USRA awards, e.g., to work for one or two months, to conduct research in mathematics education, or to collaborate with a faculty member at another university.

Students from other universities may apply for funding to work with a McMaster faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Undergraduate and Graduate students may apply for support to attend a relevant conference or workshop.

Awards are available to:

Students in any Mathematics and Statistics program at McMaster, and Students in any program who are working with a McMaster Mathematics and Statistics faculty member.

In special cases, students enrolled in a Mathematics and Statistics program may use funding to work with a faculty member outside the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at McMaster.

Small Awards

Small Awards (up to $750) are available year-round and funded on a rolling basis. These awards are typically intended for activities such as conference travel, workshops, or outreach initiatives.

Application Requirements

An application must include:

1. Cover Letter: Include a description of the proposed activity (e.g., conference, workshop) and a short budget outlining the total cost and the amount requested.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Unofficial Transcript

4. Letter or Email of Support: From a McMaster faculty member, specifying the amount of support provided by the faculty member. (Faculty will normally be expected to cover at least half of the expected total cost.)

Research Awards for Undergraduates

Two types of research awards are available:

• Four-week research award: valued at approximately $2,400 (in 2026)

• Seven or eight week research award: valued at approximately $4,800 (in 2026)

Funding is typically used during the summer months, although exceptions may be considered.  In special cases, a four-week research award can be spread out over eight weeks.

Application Requirements

An application must include:
1. Cover Letter: Indicate which research award you are applying for and the name of your proposed supervisor.
2. Project Description: Up to one page in length.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
4. Unofficial Transcript
5. Letter or Email of Support: From a McMaster faculty member, including the amount of financial support they will provide. (A minimum rate will be determined by the department and shared with faculty)

Additional Documentation

• If research is conducted at another university, include a letter of invitation from that institution.

• If you are registered at another university, include a letter of recommendation from your home institution.

Contact Information and Deadlines

Students seeking more information are encouraged to contact:

Associate Chair (Undergraduate): Adam Van Tuyl

Associate Chair (Graduate): Ben Bolker

All applications should be sent to awanr@mcmaster.ca with subject line: Stewart Award.

Applications for Research Awards for Undergraduates are normally due in March. Applications for Small Awards can be submitted at any time.

Applications for Spring/Summer 2026 are due March 15, 2026.

The process for obtaining permissions to register for reading or research project courses is through email.
(These courses are Math/Stats 4W03; Math 4WW3; Math 4P06; Stats 4T06 and Math/Stats 5GT3)

Student Initiates Permission Process via Email:
The student should reach out to a faculty member via email, requesting permission to be their supervisor for a specific course/term.

The email should include the following details:

• Subject Line: “Permission Request for [Course Code] – [Instructor Name(s)] – [Term and Academic Year]”
• Student name; Student number; Program of study and Current Level with request
• Proposal for the course

Supervisor’s Decision:
The supervisor will either agree or decline the student’s request. If permission is granted, the supervisor will forward the email with the final course outline to the Associate Chair (Undergrad) for review and approval.

Associate Chair Review:
The Associate Chair will assess the request and respond with approval or deny the request. The Associate Chair will notify the supervisor and also cc: the undergraduate team in their response.

Notification and Registration:
Once approved, the undergraduate team will notify the student (cc’ing the supervisor) about the permission and update their record on MOSAIC. This will enable the student to register.