Apply for funding to broaden your research experience.
Illinois students are conducting cutting edge research on campus, but funding is sometimes lacking. The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at the University of Illinois offers the following funding opportunities. You can also talk to your college, department or faculty mentor about other possible sources to support your undergraduate research project.
Office of Undergraduate Research Grants
Conference Travel Grant
As part of its mission to support and foster undergraduate research opportunities, OUR offers grants subsidizing the costs for students presenting their work at national and international conferences.
Research Support Grant
The Research Support Grant (RSG) provides funding for faculty/staff mentored research or creative projects from all disciplines. This includes research projects both on- and off-campus.
Other Illinois Sources to Fund Your Research
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Research Funding
*For LAS Students Only* The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) offers Get Experience scholarships to support student engagement in hands-on learning experiences that enhance and compliment their academic coursework. Scholarships are available during the fall, spring, and summer terms. The maximum award amount is $5,000.
Grainger College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Funding
*For ENG Students Only* The Grainger College of Engineering (ENG) offers numerous grants, awards, and scholarships to support undergraduate researchers.
College of ACES Undergraduate Research Funding
*For ACES Students Only* The College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences (ACES) offers ACES Undergraduate Research Scholarships to support undergraduate researchers. Approved projects are funded up to $1,500, based on a project budget sheet submitted with the application. Students whose projects are approved are also awarded a $500 merit scholarship for the academic term during which the research project is conducted.
College of Media Undergraduate Research Funding
*For Media Students Only* The College Media offers several scholarships and awards to support undergraduate researchers. Scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis and applications are due in the Spring.
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
Established on the campus in 1990, the Illinois TRiO Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The program provides research, mentoring, advising, and graduate school preparation opportunities for eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors from underrepresented populations to promote their academic excellence and pursuit of a PhD.
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
The Summer Research Opportunities Program brings talented undergraduate students from across the US and its territories, such as Puerto Rico, to Illinois as an introduction to graduate study, research, and the admission process. The total monetary award of participating in the SROP program at the University of Illinois is approximately $9,500 per participant.