Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026

Applications are now open for the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026, a prestigious 10-week summer research program that has been empowering undergraduate students since 1979. This opportunity is available for students in all academic fields who wish to conduct cutting-edge research at Caltech or JPL under the mentorship of world-renowned faculty. The program offers a funded fellowship with an award of $8,110 for the ten-week period.

Both Caltech students and visiting students from other universities worldwide are eligible to apply, with different GPA requirements for each category. The application deadline is February 22, 2026, and there is no application fee. Awards will be announced on April 1, 2026, and the program runs from June 16 to late August 2026. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Scholarship Name: Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
• Host Institution: California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA
• Program Duration: 10 weeks (June 16 to late August 2026)
• Award Amount: $8,110 for the ten-week period
• Funding Type: Partially Funded (housing and meals not included)
• Eligible Fields: All academic disciplines and research fields
• Application Deadline: February 22, 2026
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum GPA Required: 2.0/4.0 for Caltech students; 2.5/4.0 for visiting students
• Citizenship: Open to all nationalities (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only for JPL positions)

Program Overview

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program has been one of Caltech’s premier opportunities since 1979, allowing undergraduate students to conduct cutting-edge research under the guidance of experienced mentors.

How the Program Works

SURF follows a structured, grant-like process that prepares students for professional research careers. Students collaborate with faculty mentors to develop a research project, write a formal proposal, and if selected, carry out their research over a 10-week summer period. The program concludes with students submitting a technical paper and presenting their findings at SURF Seminar Days.

What You’ll Receive

Fellows receive an $8,110 award for the ten-week program period in 2026.

Program Requirements

During your fellowship, you’ll be expected to:

• Dedicate your full time and effort to the research project for the entire 10 weeks
• Conduct all research in person on campus (remote work is not permitted)
• Refrain from taking courses or holding another job during the program
• Submit two interim reports, an abstract, and a final technical paper (all approved by your mentor)
• Deliver a final oral presentation at SURF Seminar Days
• Follow Caltech’s Honor Code and campus policies

Best opportunity: CERN Administrative Student Programme 2026 (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Requirements

For Current Caltech Students

You must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a continuing undergraduate student
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
• Complete your third term at Caltech (or equivalent at another approved institution)
• Be eligible for fall term registration before starting SURF and no later than July 1
• Have no academic or disciplinary sanctions

Check also: Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026: PhD Sandwich Program

For Visiting (Non-Caltech) Students

You must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a continuing undergraduate student eligible for fall term registration at your home institution
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Complete at least your second semester or third quarter at your college or university
• Be matriculated in a degree-granting undergraduate program (high school students co-enrolled in college courses are not eligible)
• Have no academic or disciplinary sanctions

Important Note: Students from the University of Iceland or specific Cambridge colleges (St. John’s, St. Catherine’s, Corpus Christi, or Pembroke) must apply through their established exchange programs.

Check also: Australia Awards Fellowship 2026 (Round 21) – Fully Funded

For International (Non-Caltech) Students

International students can participate in SURF at Caltech’s campus. However, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for positions at JPL.

Visa Requirements

If you’re awarded a SURF and studying abroad, you’ll receive instructions on applying for an F-1 or J-1 student visa.

For International Students Currently in the U.S.

If you’re already attending a U.S. college or university, you must secure off-campus employment authorization before participating. Start this process as soon as you apply for SURF:

F-1 Students must apply for either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Note that OPT approval can take more than three months, so plan accordingly.

J-1 Students must apply for Academic Training authorization.

Contact your current institution’s International Student Advisor immediately to understand specific requirements and deadlines. Authorization must be approved before your SURF placement begins.

Also Check: Amgen Scholars Asia Program 2026 at NUS (Fully Funded)

Application Process

Finding a Mentor

This is the most critical step. You must identify and secure a faculty mentor before submitting your application. Your Caltech faculty mentor must agree to:

• Support your application
• Help develop and define your research project
• Assist in writing your research proposal
• Financially contribute to your award

Tips for Non-Caltech Students: Finding a mentor can be challenging. Leverage your academic network by asking your home institution’s faculty or graduate students if they know Caltech faculty. Request personal introductions rather than sending generic emails. Customize each email to explain your specific interest in that faculty member’s research.

Application Components

Submit all materials through the SFP Online system by February 22, 2026:

• Completed online application form
• Research proposal written by you
• Unofficial transcript (for visiting students only)
• Two confidential letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member)

After submission, the program will contact your proposed mentor for a confidential evaluation.

Also Check: Emory University Environmental Sciences and Society (ESS) PhD Scholarship

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Quality of Research Proposal: Clear description demonstrating understanding of the project, its context in the field, and a realistic work plan
• Project Suitability: Allows intellectual ownership, has publication potential, and can be completed in 10 weeks
• Student Preparation: Relevant coursework and experience for the proposed project
• Strong Recommendations: Supportive evaluations from mentor and faculty
• Prior Experience: Returning SURF students are expected to demonstrate growth from previous participation

Timeline

• Application Deadline: February 22, 2026
• Award Announcements: April 1, 2026
• Program Start Date: June 16, 2026
• Program Duration: 10 weeks
• Program Must Conclude By: Third Friday in September

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is SURF? For Caltech students, over 85% of applicants have historically been awarded SURFs. About 30-35% of fellows each year are freshmen.

Can I apply for multiple SURF projects? Yes, but be cautious. Your enthusiasm for each project may be questioned. Inform all prospective mentors if you’re pursuing multiple opportunities.

What if my mentor has no funding? For Caltech students, the strongest applications may still receive full funding regardless of a mentor’s financial contribution.

How long should my proposal be? There’s no minimum or maximum length, but it must be comprehensive enough for faculty reviewers to evaluate your project thoroughly.

Can I do SURF at a location other than Caltech or JPL? Caltech students may conduct research at other universities or institutions. You’ll need both an off-campus research mentor and a Caltech faculty associate mentor. Off-campus mentors are still expected to contribute financially.