Generally speaking there are three types of sources, if we agree that a student covering their costs from personal sources should be avoided as much as possible:

  1. The host supervisor (the research group).
  2. The host department itself.
  3. A third-party source (#)

It may be the case that a student undertaking a UROP might be covering their expenses form one or more of the above sources.

This page deal with third party sources of funding.

A "third-party", for the purposes of UROP, is commonly a "scheme" which makes available (by application) one or more bursaries (sometimes referred to as scholarships or awards) for the specific purpose of supporting students with the additional living expenses associated with undertaking a research experience (sometimes referred to as a vacation research internship or something similar) in the vacation/holiday period during or immediately after an undergraduate degree.

However, some potential third-party sources of funding are not structured as a "scheme", rather they are a "discretionary" source of funding, i.e. an individual is invited to make a case as to why that third-party would be interested in assisting them with their living costs.

Schemes and discretionary sources are governed by specific eligibility criteria and normally have their own unique application process (perhaps a paper or online form), deadline and decision making timeframe.

While there are many "schemes" (but fewer "discretionary" sources) you will need to pick out those (including discovering opportunities which are not listed on this website) which are relevant to you.

Check all the information on an individual "scheme" or "discretionary source" thoroughly, especially deadlines!

# The "scheme" managed centrally by Imperial for Imperial undergraduates (to make matters a little bit more complex), also include bursaries which are provided for by two sponsors (e.g. 50%:50% host supervisor/dept:college).

All third-party sources of funding would normally require the student and/or supervisor to submit a report of some description.

Bursary Sources

Information for current Imperial undergraduates on Imperial College managed UROP bursaries