Applications open on Nov 25 and close on Jan 29, 2025. Learn how to apply below.
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.
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“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 |
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.
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.
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.
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 Jan 29, 2025.
If you have any questions regarding the application, contact worklearn.iura@ubc.ca at least 5 business days before the application closes.
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.
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Date |
Description |
|---|---|
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Nov 25, 2024 |
Application for research project proposals opens on CareersOnline. |
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Jan 29, 2025 |
Deadline to submit a research project proposal. |
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Mar 6, 2025 |
Faculty members receive a decision on their research project proposal(s). |
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April 2025 |
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. |
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May 1, 2025 |
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 2025 to meet the minimum 16-week requirement is May 12, 2025. |
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Aug 31, 2025 |
End of the Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award term |
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:
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Date |
Description |
|---|---|
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Mar 10, 2025 |
Applications for Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards research opportunities open. Search for positions and apply on CareersOnline. |
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Mar 26, 2025 |
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. |
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April 2025 |
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, 2025 |
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 2025 to meet the minimum 16-week requirement is May 12, 2025. |
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Aug 31, 2025 |
End of the Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award term. |
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 6 to Feb 13, 2025. 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.
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.
