CanSUR Application Instructions

Applications for the 2023 cycle are now closed.

Watch our Application Instruction Video for guidance on how to complete your application!

Information needed to complete the application

The following information is needed to complete the application: 

  • A copy of your transcripts for upload.
  • The names and contact information for two references. One should be from a science teacher or professor. Your references MAY BE sent a short survey regarding your qualifications for the CanSUR Program if we need more information about your application.
  • Numerical ranking of the top 5 mentors you would like to work with (the mentor list is provided in section 3).

Applicant eligibility and classifications

Due to NIH guidelines, CanSUR scholars must be U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Creating a diverse CanSUR scholar cohort fostering diversity in the scientific research workforce is a key component of the NIH strategy to identify, develop, support and maintain the quality of the biomedical research workforce. NIH’s ability to help ensure that the nation remains a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation is dependent upon a pool of highly talented scientists from diverse backgrounds who will help to further NIH's mission. The CanSUR program is committed to creating a diverse student and faculty population. We highly encourage individuals from groups identified as underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences to apply. Underrepresented populations are described as:

  1. Racial and ethnic groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research, including: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.
  2. Individuals with disabilities are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amendedSee NSF data.
  3. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as:
    • Individuals who come from a family with an annual income below established low-income thresholds. These thresholds are based on family size, published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census; adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index; and adjusted by the Secretary for use in all health professions programs. The Secretary periodically publishes these income levels at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml.
    • Individuals who come from an educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that has demonstrably and directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career.

CanSUR Mentors

Click the button below to view the names and research interests of potential CanSUR mentors. We will do our best to accommodate each applicant’s request, but numerous factors are considered when matching CanSUR scholars with mentors and we cannot guarantee placement into the lab of your top choices. 

View list of CanSUR mentors

Application Portal

Applications for the 2023 cycle are now closed.