A powerful opportunity has opened for undergraduate students in Canada who want paid, hands-on research experience in a high-impact health field. The 2026 KRESCENT Summer Studentship Competition is now drawing attention for its strong financial support, inclusive focus, and nationally recognized research environment in kidney science. Backed by the Kidney Foundation of Canada, this summer studentship is designed to open doors to research careers while removing financial barriers that often keep talented students out of labs.
With a weekly stipend of CAD 750, structured supervision, and placements in approved Canadian kidney research laboratories, this studentship is quickly shaping up to be one of the most competitive paid summer research opportunities for undergraduates in 2026.
What the 2026 KRESCENT Summer Studentship Is Offering?
The 2026 KRESCENT Summer Studentship Competition goes beyond a typical summer internship. It offers paid, full-time research exposure in a culturally safe and professionally mentored environment—specifically created to support Black and Indigenous undergraduate students in Canada.
Selected students will earn CAD 750 per week for 12 to 16 weeks, based on a standard 35-hour work week, allowing them to fully focus on research without worrying about income loss over the summer. Beyond the stipend, students gain early exposure to kidney research, mentorship from experienced supervisors, and a nationally recognized research credential that can significantly strengthen future graduate school or medical school applications.
Only four studentships are available for the 2026 competition (with possible expansion), making early and well-prepared applications crucial.
Benefits of Winning the 2026 KRESCENT Summer Studentship
Winning the KRESCENT Summer Studentship 2026 means more than just paid summer work—it’s an investment in your academic future. Award recipients receive salary support to work in an approved Canadian kidney research laboratory, access to high-quality mentorship, and the chance to explore research careers in nephrology and related health sciences.
The program is intentionally designed to address long-standing disparities in access to research opportunities by supporting students from historically underrepresented communities, helping them build confidence, research skills, and professional networks early in their academic journey.
Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 KRESCENT Summer Studentship
To ensure the opportunity reaches its intended audience, the eligibility criteria are clear and specific. Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be an undergraduate student currently enrolled at a Canadian university
- Self-identify as Black or Indigenous
- Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
- Be returning in the fall semester to continue the same undergraduate program
- Submit only one application (multiple submissions are not allowed)
- Have never held more than one KRESCENT summer studentship in their academic career.
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Are high school students
- Will have completed their undergraduate degree before the summer program begins
- Are enrolled (or will be enrolled by May 2026) in a master’s or doctoral program
- Are studying at a university outside Canada.
Apply: https://research.ucalgary.ca/opportunity/2026-2026-krescent-summer-studentship-competition
The last date to apply for the 2026 KRESCENT Summer Studentship Competition is April 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM.