Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards

About the Awards

The Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards are designed for international undergraduate students who are interested in research.

These awards subsidize professors to hire international undergraduate students to work full-time on their research projects in the Summer Session (May to August). International students who receive the awards gain workplace experience through an undergraduate research opportunity.

International exchange or visiting students are not eligible for this award.

“It was the best opportunity to immerse myself in the English environment and lifestyle. I have close communication with professors, and they share their own experiences with me, which helped me figure out my career goals.”

Zidan, Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award Candidate

Award period, value, and payment

The minimum normal duration of the award is 16 consecutive weeks of full-time work. Learn more about work hours, the value of an award, and the work payments and benefits that come with a research position.

Get details

Before you apply

First, check if you’re eligible to apply for an award and learn about the program restrictions.

Consider also taking the Work Learn Fundamentals Canvas course for further information about how to make the most of your research placement. The first topic, “What is Work Learn”, is not applicable to students with this award.

Read requirements

How to apply

There are 2 options for applying to the Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards. Read the instructions below and download the application timeline overview (pdf) for your reference.

Option 1: Submit a research proposal with a faculty member by Feb 6, 2024.
Option 2: Apply through UBC CareersOnline for a Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award position in March.

Option 1: Submit a research proposal with a Faculty member

If you have a research idea in mind, you’re encouraged to contact a UBC Vancouver faculty member and ask to create a research opportunity through this program. You may then work with the faculty member to submit a research proposal for the award. Find tips for connecting with a professor before you reach out.

To apply, the faculty member must submit the research project proposal on UBC CareersOnline through an employer account by Feb 6, 2024.

Please refer your faculty member to the Faculty and Staff webpage for additional information on how to submit a research project proposal. They can also read the submission guide (pdf) on how to submit the proposal through CareersOnline.

The faculty member will be notified whether or not they have received the award in early March.

Application timeline for Option 1

Date	Description
Nov 20, 2023	Application for research project proposals opens on CareersOnline.
Feb 6, 2024	Deadline to submit a research project proposal (extended from Jan 30)
Mar 6, 2024	Faculty members receive a decision on their research project proposal(s).
April 2024	If you get the research opportunity, your faculty supervisor is required to submit an appointment form to ensure you’re paid for the position. Make sure to give your faculty supervisor all the necessary documents to set-up your payroll, such as your Social Identification Number (SIN), Study Permit, and Direct Deposit information. Contact International Student Advising if you have questions about study or work permits in Canada.
May 1, 2024	Start of the Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award term. You’ll begin your research on the date agreed upon by your faculty supervisor. The latest a student can start working on their award in Summer 2024 to meet the minimum 16- week requirement is May 13, 2024.
Aug 31, 2024	End of the Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award term

Option 2: Apply on UBC CareersOnline

If you don’t have a research opportunity in mind, the second way is to apply for Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards opportunities posted on UBC CareersOnline in March. You’ll apply directly to the faculty member and follow their application instructions on UBC CareersOnline. You can apply for as many positions as you like.

Below are tips for preparing to apply:

The faculty member may request a cover letter, resume, and further information, such as transcripts and additional forms, as part of the application process. Find tips on how to write your resume and cover letter.
Prepare for your interview by reading the position description carefully. Be prepared to talk about why you’re interested and what you hope to learn from the experience. Learn more about interview preparation.

Application timeline for Option 2

Date	Description
Mar 11, 2024	Applications for Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards research opportunities open. Search for positions and apply on CareersOnline.
Mar 24, 2024	Deadline for applying to a research opportunity on CareersOnline. Prepare for a possible interview. The faculty member(s) will contact you directly for an interview.
April 2024	If you get the research opportunity, your faculty supervisor will submit an appointment form to ensure you are paid for the position. Make sure to give your faculty supervisor all the necessary documents to set-up your payroll, such as your Social Identification Number (SIN), Study Permit, and Direct Deposit information. Contact International Student Advising if you have questions about study or work permits in Canada.
May 1, 2024	Start of the Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award term. You’ll begin your research on the date agreed upon by your faculty supervisor. The latest a student can start working on their award in Summer 2024 to meet the minimum 16- week requirement is May 13, 2024.
Aug 31, 2024	End of the Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award term.

Undergraduate Research Awards office hours

Drop in at Brock Hall from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm every Monday and Tuesday to talk to a UBC Career Centre advisor about the award or how to apply. Sessions are held from Jan 8 to Feb 29, 2024. Log into CareersOnline for more details.

If you’re dropping in, approach the Career Centre front desk in Brock Hall and let the coordinator know you’re there for office hours.

Finding research opportunities

Many professors will be happy to talk to you about the opportunity to hire you at a subsidized wage.

If you find a professor who is interested, ask them to email worklearn.iura@ubc.ca for more information, or submit a proposal on UBC CareersOnline, the online job board for UBC students. For detailed information on the application process, view the “How to apply” section above.

Tips for connecting with a professor

Keep your emails short and to-the-point. Read these tips (pdf) on approaching a professor, and browse the list of faculty supervisors and research areas.
Know what you are going to say. Be prepared to talk about your interests, knowledge areas, and lab or volunteer experience.
Familiarize yourself with the professor's research subject so you can ask informed questions. This will show that you are genuinely interested in helping with their research.
Bring a copy of your resume.
Regardless of whether you get the opportunity or not, thank the professor for their time after you meet with them.

Additional resources

Career resources
Find tips on getting a job, learn how to improve your application, or book an appointment with a career advisor.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
If you're planning to work in Canada, you'll need an SIN to be paid. Learn more about applying for a SIN and keeping it valid.
The following resources can also help you make the most of your Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award experience:

If you have questions

Email worklearn.iura@ubc.ca or call 604 827 2937 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays.
Read frequently asked questions (pdf) about the reward.
Contact the faculty, school, or department coordinator (pdf) specific to your program for support.