The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) Grant enables students from all majors across the university to pursue their own self-initiated research or creative projects.
This grant provides up to $750 to help undergraduate students fund their original projects. Whether your passion lies in a scientific experiment, a historical investigation, developing an innovative app, creating a piece of art, or any other ambitious undertaking, the URCA Grant is designed to support you. We believe the best research often comes from student curiosity.
By applying for the URCA Grant you become an integral part of the research community at UCSB and will develop important skills like taking a research project from conception to completion, learning how a typical grant application process works and getting hands-on experience with research.
The URCA Grant operates on an annual cycle. We are committed to making the application process accessible and encouraging, especially for first-time applicants. We offer application support, including workshops and dedicated office hours, to help you refine your project proposal and submit a strong application.
To qualify for an URCA grant, you must meet a few general requirements and submit a completed proposal online by the application deadline. If you receive an URCA grant, you must present your work at URCA Week the following May.
Applications for the Academic Year 2025-2026 will be open October 1, 2025 and close November 14, 2025.