URI Streamlined Application (AwardsHub)

One application – multiple opportunities!

Students who apply through the URI Streamlined Competition on AwardsHub will automatically be evaluated (according to their eligibility) for the URI Stipend, the Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentship, and various other funding opportunities.

See eligibility details

Deadline:

February 2027 (TBD) for projects beginning in Summer 2027, Fall 2027 or Winter 2028.

Info Session:

Coming in November 2026 (Dates TBD)

Application Process

Draft your application

Application template coming November 2026
Adjudication criteria
  • Work with your supervisor to draft your research proposal using the template provided. The application has 3 parts:

    • Research proposal ( to be written by the student)

    • Student personal statement ( to be written by the student)

    • Supervisor mentorship plan ( to be written by the supervisor)

  • The project proposal must be written in plain language (e.g. high school level). Avoid technical language or jargon that would not be commonly understood by adjudicators outside your discipline.
  • All parts of the application will be submitted by the student.
  • Consult the adjudication criteria for guidance on what the adjudicators will be looking for.
  • If you have questions or would like feedback on your application, students are encouraged to book an appointment with a URI advisor. URI Funding Advising appointments are in high demand in January – book early to beat the rush!

Submit your application

  • Log in to AwardsHub using your CCID. Follow AwardsHub Reference Guide.

  • Complete the General application (if you have not already done so). For help with the General application, please see the AwardsHub reference guide.

  • When prompted, select the option to apply for research awards to get access to the URI application.

  • Copy/paste your finalized draft and your supervisor’s section into the URI application.

  • Be sure to press “submit” before the deadline!

  • Complete the application via Google Form. Google Form will be available November 2026.

  • Upload your transcripts where prompted.

  • URI staff will manually import your application into AwardsHub.

  • non-UofA students, if offered an award, will be registered on a not-for-credit basis at the University of Alberta for the tenure of their award.

What happens after you submit your application

  • URI staff will verify student and supervisor eligibility.

  • Applications are normally reviewed by three faculty members or PhD-level researchers knowledgeable in the disciplinary theme you selected in your application (i.e. Health Sciences, Natural & Applied Sciences, or Social Sciences & Humanities).

  • Applicants are normally notified of the outcome of their application in late March.

How competitive is it?

Last year, the URI streamlined application received 588 applications and 237 students (40%) received offers through the various funding streams. Success rates for individual awards vary based on the number of eligible applicants and the amount of funding available.

2026 Competition Results

What if you don’t get an offer?

  • Try not to take it personally. It’s natural to feel disappointed, but not receiving an offer doesn’t necessarily mean you had a “bad” application. Research funding is highly competitive, and every researcher (including your professor!), experiences rejection from time to time.

  • Get feedback. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a URI advisor to review the adjudicator feedback and help you strengthen your future applications.

  • Talk to your supervisor. In some cases, your supervisor may be able to support your project through their research grants, or you may be able to adjust your project so that it can be done for course credit.

  • Apply again next year. Students are welcome and encouraged to reapply in a future application cycle.