Awards, scholarships & recognition

If you are looking for financial support, make sure you declare your major as soon as you can. Taking this step makes you eligible for department scholarships and some bursaries.
Listed below are just some of the awards, scholarships and recognitions available to undergraduate science students. Find other science awards, and other student awards and financial aid opportunities with the Office of the Registrar.
Department academic awards
Bob Wright Undergraduate Scholarship
If you are an undergraduate student in Faculty of Science who has demonstrated your interest in oceans through course work, co-op experience or work experience, consider applying for this scholarship.
The Bob Wright Undergraduate Scholarships were established by Bob Wright, President and CEO, Oak Bay Marine Group of Companies, on behalf of his employees who work at the Oak Bay Marine Group. In establishing these scholarships, Mr. Wright wanted to help more students experience the tremendous benefits of a UVic education and encourage their interest in the oceans.
Deadline: March 15
Note: Application forms should be submitted via email.
Bob Wright Undergraduate Scholarship Information and Application Form
Rob and Tammy Lipson Research Scholarship
If you are an undergraduate or graduate student and you have an international research opportunity that you'd like to pursue, consider applying for a Rob and Tammy Lipson Research Scholarship.
The Rob and Tammy Lipson Research Scholarship was established by Rob Lipson, Dean of the Faculty of Science (2010-2019) and his wife, Tammy Lipson.
Deadline: April 30
*Note to applicants: For the latest updates and information on the University’s advisories for international travel during COVID, please visit the COVID-19 Travel website.
Honours Fest Awards
Each February/March the Faculty of Science hosts Honours Fest, a conference-style poster session. Honours Fest gives students valuable experience presenting their research to Science students and faculty. There are generous prizes provided by donor for the top three posters as well as the best poster for each department and school, as judged by a panel of Science faculty members.
Boehm Family Undergraduate Travel Award
If you are an undergraduate student in Faculty of Science who is planning to participate in an academic or professional conference consider applying for this award.
The Boehm Family Award for Undergraduate Travel awards up to $400 to support undergraduate student participation in academic or professional conferences. The funds can be used to offset the costs of registration, travel, and accommodation.
Deadline: Applicants can apply at any time throughout the year. Acceptance of applications for a given year will open on January 1 and will end when the funds have been spent for that year.
Boehm Family Award for Undergraduate Travel Application Form
Science Undergraduate Research Awards (SURA)
Summer research can be an important and enjoyable part of your undergraduate experience. It can also help you decide whether to pursue research as a career. A fund provided by the estate of the late allows us to provide awards each year to undergraduate students who want to do research.
The award provides $4000 from the Faculty of Science, plus a minimum of $4000 from the research supervisor.
The deadline is set by the Departments/School of the Faculty of Science. Please monitor their respective websites and contact them for details.
Science Emerging Researcher Award (SERA)
The SERA awards are intended to support members of one or more under-represented groups in obtaining an undergraduate research experience. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit)
- Persons with disabilities
- Members of visible minotiry/racialized groups
- Members of LGBTQ2+ communities
- Women
The award provides $5,000 from the Faculty of Science plus a minimum of $3,500 from the research supervisor.
As of 2025, three SERA awards are available each year--one selected by each of BCMB, BIOL and SEOS in even years and CHEM, MATH and PHYS in odd years.
The deadline is set by the Departments/School of the Faculty of Science. Please monitor their respective websites for details.
NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
If you would like to gain research work experience that complements your studies, NSERC USRA can provide you with financial support through a host university (Either at UVic or another Canadian university). USRAs are meant to stimulate your interest in research in the natural sciences and engineering. They are also meant to encourage you to undertake graduate studies and pursue a research career in these fields. Get more information and eligibility criteria . To apply, contact your .
Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)
Recognitions: Dean's List
The Faculty of Science Dean's List recognizes the top 10% of current undergraduate students by year based on sessional GPA and of graduating students based on their graduating GPA.
2023-24 Dean's List (PDF 681 KB)
2022-23 Dean's List (PDF 170 KB)