Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) 2027

Applications are now open for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) 2027 at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the world’s leading science and engineering universities. This 10 week, in person research program is open to continuing undergraduate students in science, engineering, and other fields, including students from universities outside Caltech and international students.

Fellows receive an award of $8,354 and work one on one with an experienced faculty mentor on a real research project. The award is a fellowship stipend and does not cover every cost, since housing is paid by the student. The application deadline is February 22, and results are announced on April 1. The official details mention no application fee, but check the application portal to confirm. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

Host institution: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Host country: United States
Program Type: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships
Funding type: Partial funding.
Application deadline: February 22, 2027.
Open to all nationalities: Yes, for projects on the Caltech campus. Projects at JPL (NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory) are open only to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.
Application fee: None

Interested in More Positions? Follow links below

What This Scholarship Offers:

You receive an award of $8,354 for the ten week period
Your faculty mentor also contributes financially to your project, so your research is properly resourced
You carry out original research with the potential to be published in a refereed journal
You take intellectual ownership of your project, which is the kind of experience graduate schools and employers value
You learn the full research process, from writing a proposal to presenting your results at a SURF Seminar Day
You gain skills in technical writing and public speaking through workshops and a professional development series on research careers and graduate school admissions
You attend weekly seminars by Caltech faculty and JPL scientists and engineers
You build connections with mentors and peers through social events and student and faculty dinners

Also Check: MAXMINDS Max Planck Initiative for researchers at Risk

Eligibility Criteria:

For Caltech students

Be a continuing undergraduate student
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Complete the third term at Caltech, or at another school under a program approved by a Dean
Be eligible for fall term registration before your project begins, and no later than July 1
Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanctions

For 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 the 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)
Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanctions
Have the support and permission of a Caltech faculty member before applying

For international visiting students

You can join SURF on the Caltech campus
Only U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents can be placed at JPL
If selected, you will receive instructions on applying for an F1 or J1 student visa
If you already study at a U.S. school, you must get the right off campus employment authorization before SURF begins
F1 students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Pre Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), and J1 students may use Academic Training
OPT approval can take several months, so plan early and speak to your International Student Advisor as soon as you apply

Special exchange rule

Students from the University of Iceland, or from St. John’s, St. Catherine’s, Corpus Christi, or Pembroke colleges at Cambridge, can only apply through the established exchange programs with their schools.

Also Check: EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2027 in Switzerland

Important Things to Know:

Housing: Visiting students can apply for campus housing, but it is limited, not guaranteed, and not covered by the award. Housing applications are sent in early April.
Meal plan: Students living on campus must buy a declining balance card for Caltech eateries.
Full commitment: Fellows cannot take courses or hold another job during the 10 weeks.
Start and end dates: All students must start by July 12, and the program must end by the third Friday in September.
Final requirements: You must submit two interim reports, an abstract, and a final technical paper, and give an oral presentation.

How Applications Are Judged:

Your proposal clearly describes the project and includes a work plan
The project lets you take intellectual ownership and can realistically be completed in 10 weeks
You are well prepared through coursework and experience
Your mentor and faculty reviewers submit supportive recommendations
Returning SURF students are expected to show stronger applications

Also Check: Youth Research & Learning Fellowship Program in the USA