Undergraduate research opportunities
The Cheriton School of Computer Science provides several exciting part-time and full-time research opportunities to its undergraduate students. These awards provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in research by working part-time or full-time for a term with a faculty member in their area of interest. Undergraduate students should consider pursuing awards like the NSERC USRA if they are interested in research or help them decide whether they want to continue their studies on a graduate level.
Thinking of Graduate studies?
Passionate about research and interested in continuing your education by pursuing graduate studies? Consider applying to the combined bachelor's/master's programs that allow students to start graduate studies during the last year of their undergraduate studies.
Research awards and scholarships
CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Award
The CRA's Outstanding Undergraduate Award program recognizes undergraduate students who show outstanding research potential. Typical applicants are in their last year of studies and know one or more professors who can write strong letters supporting their research abilities.
If you feel that you are a strong candidate for this award, please contact the Computer Science awards co-ordinator in August or September as applications are due in early fall.
Undergraduate students in research
Hadas Barabash and Leyi Yan receive Jessie W.H. Zou Memorial Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research
Computer Science students Hadas Barabash and Leyi Yan have won the 2025 Jessie W.H. Zou Memorial Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research.
As recipients, each receives a $1,000 prize in recognition of outstanding research during their final year of study.
Valentio Iverson wins Germain-Erdős Undergraduate Award in Mathematical Research
Valentio Iverson, a fourth-year Computer Science major, has won the 2025 Germain-Erdős award, a recognition conferred annually for “remarkable contributions to basic mathematical research” by a student who has done a successful Undergraduate Research Assistant placement.
UR2PhD program at Waterloo opens doors to meaningful CS research for students
Launched by the Computing Research Association in 2023, the UR2PhD program is designed to broaden access to undergraduate research experiences and inspire students to pursue graduate studies.
Among its institutional partners is the University of Waterloo, where Cheriton School of Computer Science Professor Edith Law coordinates the program locally.
Computer science student Chris Trevisan receives 2025 CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award
Chris Trevisan, a fourth-year computer science student, is one of eight recipients — and the only recipient from a Canadian university — to receive the 2025 Computing Research Association Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award. The association’s top recognition honours exceptional undergraduate students from universities across North America who demonstrate outstanding research potential in the field of computing.
Kefan Cao receives 2024 K.D. Fryer Gold Medal, an award conferred for academic excellence and good citizenship
For Kefan Cao, university has been about finding a balance between working hard and having fun.
Cao is this year’s recipient of the Faculty of Mathematics K.D. Fryer Gold Medal, an honour given to a student who exemplifies academic excellence, good citizenship and involvement in extracurricular activities. He graduates this Friday with a Bachelor of Computer Science degree.