Student Opportunities

students work together.  One sits at table, one sits on table.  they work with wood pieces and glue.Programs to support your Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity are available for undergraduates and graduate students in all fields of study.

Below are offerings from Office of Research and campuswide affiliates.  Check in your department or program, as well as online, for more fellowships, programs, opportunities!


Funding


Student RSCA Fellowship

This competitive student fellowship supports students to engage with an SJSU faculty mentor in a research, scholarship, and creative activity (RSCA) project.  You receive a stipend and get to participate in a mentoring program during the school year.  Conclude your experience with a poster presentation at SJSU’s Celebration of Research in April.

Eligible: Undergraduate and Graduate Students, All Fields.

Applications open in fall, with deadlines in early spring, for fellowships the following year.  Look for the 2025-26 application in September 2024.

 

UROP

The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) is a yearlong program that provides a mentor and a compensated research position, up to 10 hours per week. Requires course enrollment.

Eligible: Undergraduate students who are first-time frosh and transfers and 2nd year students, all fields.

 

SJSU Handshake

Handshake is the campus internship and job database system that connects you to opportunities, including research-related positions, across disciplines. Log in and access your account with your SJSUOne ID.

Eligible: Undergraduate and graduate students who meet employment criteria.

Tip: Eligible domestic undergrads can earn additional state financial aid through the Learning-Aligned Employment Program. Check your eligibility and sign up.


Competitions


Student RSCA Competition

Through the Student RSCA Competition, present your Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity and compete to represent SJSU at the CSU-wide competition.  The Office of Research will help prepare you with communications skills and feedback.

Eligible: Undergraduate and Graduate Students, All Fields. 

Applications open in fall for the spring competition.  Look for the spring 2025 application in September 2024!

 

Grad Slam

SJSU Grad Slam is a campus-wide competition for the best short-style research presentation aimed at a non-specialist audience. Students have three minutes to communicate key concepts and significance of their research, and are judged largely on their ability to engage their audiences. Consider participating once your research is established.  

Eligible: All Graduate Students, All Fields


Innovation and Entrepreneurship


SpartUp

SpartUp offers students hands-on entrepreneurial experience and an avenue to take their research to the marketplace.  Check out the video on this page to learn more!

Want to explore entrepreneurship in a safe and supportive environment? Sign up for SpartUp Incubator.

Eligible: Undergraduate and Graduate Students, All Fields

 

Small Business Development

Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center: Once you have an entrepreneurial or business idea you’d like help with, sign up for free one-on-one advising at Silicon Valley SBDC.

Eligible: Undergraduate and Graduate Students, All Fields


Discipline-Specific Funding

Many more discipline-specific opportunities may be available through your program, college, or department!

Look online and ask your program advisors for more information.

💡 Don't forget to ask your individual department, program, and mentors, and search online for more!

Find A Mentor, Get Involved