Program Update for Faculty Research Assistants Funding (FRAF) and the Departmental Research Assistantship (DRA)
Program Update for Faculty Research Assistants Funding (FRAF) and the Departmental Research Assistantship (DRA)
The Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (URF) is excited to announce it is implementing changes to its undergraduate research funding structures to make all awards more student-centered and flexible. More will follow soon regarding changes for Fall 2026.
For Summer 2026, funding opportunities will be available through the Advanced Undergraduate Research Activity (AURA) program.
AURA is a competitive spring and summer award designed to support advanced undergraduate students engaged in research or creative activity under the mentorship of a UT or UTIA faculty member.
While funding is awarded directly to students, faculty mentorship remains central to the program’s success.
Summer 2026 AURA Application
- Application Deadline: April 16, 2026 at 5 pm
- Funding: $1,500 student scholarship + $250 research/creative activity expenses
- Faculty Mentor Support: $250 reimbursement for materials
- Funding Disbursement: Student funds are distributed through Financial Aid as a scholarship.
Faculty who previously applied for FRAF summer funding are encouraged to share the AURA opportunity with eligible undergraduate students and serve as faculty mentors.
For questions, please contact [email protected].