The Urban Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) trains U of T students in the core skills of applied urban research, then puts those skills to work on real School of Cities projects. Over one year, apprentices learn from School of Cities staff and faculty, shadow our team, and join a pool of trained students placed in research, communications, and education projects across the School.
URAP is open primarily to graduate students, with two spots reserved for undergraduates. Students from all disciplines are welcome.
How the program works
URAP runs over two terms.
Term 1: Training and research readiness (Winter–Spring) Apprentices spend two to three months building a common foundation in urban research. Each apprentice chooses two or three skill areas to focus on, attends a series of hands-on workshops, and begins shadowing School of Cities staff and visiting experts on current projects. Apprentices who complete Term 1 receive the URAP Research-Ready designation.
Term 2: Apprenticeship placements (Summer–Fall) Research-ready apprentices are matched with School of Cities staff and faculty affiliates who need research support. Placements run three to six months and give apprentices direct experience of contributing to live projects.
Skills you’ll build
Each skill area is covered in a series of two to four workshops taught by School of Cities staff and faculty.
Skill areas include:
- Visual design, mapping, data visualization, and data storytelling
- Data analytics and quantitative research methods
- Communications and social media
- Knowledge mobilization, from technical writing for policy briefs and reports to short-form content
- Participatory and community-engaged research
Funding and recognition
- Term 1 stipend: $1,500
- Term 2 stipend: $3,500, paid monthly during your placement
- Achievement awards: The three top-performing apprentices each receive a $500 award, alongside the School of Cities Graduate Fellows awards.
- URAP Research Ready designation on completion of Term 1
- Up to 3 Co-Curricular Record (CCR) competencies
Who should apply
URAP is a good fit if you:
- are a U of T graduate student (or an undergraduate, for one of two reserved spots) interested in cities;
- want hands-on training in research methods, data, communications, or community-engaged research;
- want practical experience on applied projects with the School of Cities team.
No prior research experience is required. The pilot cohort will include approximately 7–8 apprentices.
URAP and the Graduate Fellows program
URAP is complemented by the School of Cities Graduate Fellows program. Graduate Fellows receive funding to pursue their own urban research projects, while URAP apprentices build skills and contribute to School of Cities and faculty projects. The Graduate Fellows program supports students from across U of T who are pursuing a PhD or master’s degree and who have a passion for urban issues. Students may only apply to one of the two programs in any given year.
How to apply
Applications for the 2027 cohort close January 5, 2027.
Questions? Contact education.sofc@utoronto.ca.