Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships 2027 in California

Applications for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) 2027 at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) open on November 1, 2026, and the deadline is February 22, 2027. This funded summer research program is for undergraduate students who want to do real research with expert mentors in science, engineering, and related fields. Selected fellows receive an award of $8,354 for ten weeks of full time, in person research at Caltech in Pasadena, California.

The award does not include housing, which students pay for themselves. Caltech students and visiting students from other universities can apply, including international students, as long as they meet the GPA and enrollment requirements. The official details do not mention an application fee. You need a Caltech faculty mentor before you apply. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host Institution: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• Host Country: United States (Pasadena, California)
• Degree Level Required: Undergraduate (continuing students only)
• Application Deadline: February 22, 2027
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes for the Caltech campus. Placements at JPL are only for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
• Application Fee: None

What This Scholarship Offers:

• $8,354 award: Get paid for ten weeks so you can focus fully on research.
• Real research experience: Work on a project with a Caltech mentor, with the potential to be published in a refereed journal.
• Expert mentorship: Learn directly from researchers working at the frontier of their fields.
• Weekly seminars: Hear talks by Caltech faculty and JPL scientists and engineers.
• Career guidance: Get advice on building a research career and applying to graduate school.
• Communication skills: Learn to write and present your research through workshops and a SURF Seminar Day.
• Networking: Meet researchers and peers through social events and student and faculty dinners.

Also Check: NASA Postdoctoral Program (Fully Funded Fellowship)

Eligibility Criteria:

Caltech Students

• Be a continuing undergraduate student
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
• Complete your third term at Caltech, or at another school under a program approved by a Dean
• Be eligible for fall term registration, no later than July 1
• Have no academic or disciplinary sanctions

Visiting Students (From Other Universities)

• Be a continuing undergraduate student and eligible for fall term registration
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4.0
• Complete your second semester or third quarter at your college or university
• Be enrolled in a degree granting undergraduate program (high school students taking college courses are not eligible)
• Have no academic or disciplinary sanctions
• Have a Caltech faculty member who agrees to be your mentor

Students from the University of Iceland and from St. John’s, St. Catherine’s, Corpus Christi, and Pembroke colleges at Cambridge can only apply through their school’s exchange program.

International Students

• You can do SURF on the Caltech campus.
• You cannot be placed at JPL unless you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• If you already study in the U.S., you must get work authorization before SURF begins. F1 students can use CPT or OPT, and J1 students can use Academic Training.
• OPT needs approval from USCIS and can take several months, so plan early.
• If you are coming to the U.S. for SURF, you will get visa instructions after you receive an award.
• Questions can be sent to [email protected].

Requirements During the Fellowship

• Work full time on your project for all ten weeks
• Do not take courses or hold another job
• Do your research in person
• Follow Caltech’s Honor Code

Also Check: ETH AI Center Postdoc Fellowship 2027 in Zurich, Switzerland

Important Dates:

• November 1, 2026: Applications open
• February 22, 2027: Applications and recommendation letters due
• April 1, 2027: Awards announced
• June 15, 2027: Program starts
• July 12, 2027: Latest allowed start date
• Third Friday in September 2027: Program must end

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the chances of getting a SURF?

More than 85% of past applicants received an award.

Can freshmen apply?

Yes. About 30% to 35% of SURF students are freshmen.

Can I apply to more than one project?

Yes, but be careful. It can make your enthusiasm for each project look weaker, so tell each mentor.

Is housing available?

Housing is limited and not guaranteed, and its cost is not part of the award. Housing applications are sent in early April.

Can I apply if I do not have a mentor?

No. You need a Caltech faculty mentor’s support before you apply.

Also Check: Postdoctoral Fellowships at Uppsala University 2027, Sweden

How to Apply:

1. Find a mentor.
2. Define your project.
3. Write your research proposal.
4. Arrange two recommendation letters.
5. Prepare your transcript.
6. Submit everything through the SFP Online system by February 22, 2027.
7. Wait for results.

Also Check: The Ludovika Fellowship Program (LFP) 2027 in Budapest, Hungary