SFI Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) Program 2026

Applications are now open for the Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) Program 2026, a prestigious 10-week residential research opportunity for undergraduate students interested in complexity science. This fully funded program runs from May 31 to August 8, 2026, and offers students the chance to conduct independent transdisciplinary research under the guidance of world-class mentors at the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico.

The program is designed for curious and motivated undergraduate students from all academic disciplines who want to explore complex systems research. Whether you’re studying biology, physics, computer science, social sciences, mathematics, or any other field, you can apply to work on cutting-edge research questions that bridge multiple disciplines.

This is a fully funded opportunity with a $7,000 stipend, along with free housing, meals, and travel support to Santa Fe. Students must be currently enrolled undergraduates who are authorized to work in the US, and international students are welcome to apply. The application deadline is January 14, 2026 and there is no application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Duration: 10 weeks (May 31 – August 8, 2026)
• Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Funding Status: Fully Funded
• Stipend Amount: $7,000
• Additional Benefits: Free housing (private room with en-suite bathroom), Free meals, Travel support to/from Santa Fe
• Application Fee: None
• Academic Fields: All disciplines (transdisciplinary program)
• Prior Research Experience: Not required
• Application Deadline: January 14, 2026

Financial Support

• $7,000 paid over the course of the program
• Free housing at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) campus
• Free meals during the program
• Travel support to and from Santa Fe, New Mexico

What You’ll Gain

• Conduct independent transdisciplinary research with an SFI mentor
• Deepen your understanding of complex systems through seminars and discussions
• Build technical skills in research methods and science communication
• Network with researchers and join the SFI community
• Explore diverse career paths in complexity science
• Connect with a supportive cohort of fellow students

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

Who Should Apply?

Ideal Candidates Are:

• Curious and motivated students
• Able to work independently and collaboratively
• Self-directed learners who follow through on ideas
• Strong communicators and team players
• Logical and creative thinkers

Students from institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student (associate’s or bachelor’s degree program)
• Must return for at least one more academic term after the program ends
• Authorized to work in the US
• Able to arrive on the official first day (late arrivals not allowed)

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

Who Can Apply

• Students from 2-year and 4-year institutions
• Transfer students (including those transitioning between schools)
• Students in integrated/dual-degree programs (if still in undergraduate portion)

Who Cannot Apply

• Students completing their degree before the program ends
• High school graduates who haven’t started college coursework
• Individuals who have completed their undergraduate degree
• Students who won’t return to undergraduate enrollment after August

International Students

• Welcome from any country
• US-based international students usually participate under F-1 status through CPT
• International students from outside the US are also eligible
• Limited visa assistance provided for admitted participants

Application Requirements

What You Need to Submit

• Biographical Information Complete directly in the application portal
• Academic CV or Résumé Current document highlighting your academic background
• Research Statements Written responses to three prompts, including a one-page project proposal with three example research ideas
• Letter of Recommendation One letter from a professor, mentor, or advisor who knows your work
• Unofficial Transcript From each college or university you’ve attended (English translation required if original is in another language)

Check this: NL Scholarships for BS and MS 2026-2027: Study in the Netherlands

Apply Now

Access the application portal through the “Apply now!” button when the application period is open.