The California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) offers a fully funded Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURF) for global undergraduates. This 10-week internship includes an $8,110 stipend to cover airfare, accommodation, meals, Visa costs, and personal expenses. The post will outline program details, requirements, and an application guide for interested candidates.
Application Deadline:
- 22 February 2027 (For the Summer 2027 program cycle).
Tell Me About The Program:
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program is a prestigious, fully funded 10-week summer research internship modeled on the professional grant-seeking process. Since 1979, SURF has given undergraduate students worldwide the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research under the direct mentorship of Caltech faculty and JPL scientists, culminating in a technical paper and an oral presentation at a professional-style seminar symposium.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- All STEM Disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and allied research fields across Caltech’s academic divisions and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Type:
Fully Funded Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship & International Internship
Who can Apply:
- Academic Status: Must be a continuing undergraduate student matriculated in a degree-granting program (high school students co-enrolled in college courses are ineligible). Must not graduate before the summer program and must return to resume undergraduate studies for at least one term/semester post-program.
- GPA Requirements:
- Caltech Students: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Visiting (Non-Caltech) Students: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0 (and have completed at least the second semester or third quarter of college/university study).
- Citizenship & Location: Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students (international students participate in-person on the Caltech campus; JPL placements are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents).
- Mandatory Prerequisite: Applicants must identify and contact a Caltech research mentor in advance, secure their agreement to support the application, help define the project, and assist in writing the research proposal before applying.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are evaluated based on the clarity and technical depth of the student’s research proposal, academic preparation, transcripts, supportive letters of recommendation, and the faculty mentor’s endorsement.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to undergraduate students worldwide).
Where will the Program be Taken:
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) campus in Pasadena, California, United States (Note: All research must be conducted in person; remote projects are not permitted).
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Extensive annual cohort selected across Caltech academic divisions.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Stipend Award: $8,354 for the 10-week period to cover living expenses, accommodation, meals, and personal costs.
- Travel Support: Airfare travel and visa cost allowances integrated within financial support structures.
- Professional Development: Access to weekly faculty/JPL seminars, academic career workshops, effective communication training, and social/cultural networking events.
How Long Will it Last:
10 Weeks full-time during the Summer.
How to Apply:
- Find a Mentor: Review Caltech faculty research areas, reach out with a tailored inquiry, and secure a faculty mentor willing to support your application and help draft your research proposal well in advance of the deadline.
- Prepare Materials: Draft your technical research proposal, secure your unofficial academic transcript (for visiting students), and arrange for two letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member).
- Submit Application: Access the SFP Online Application Portal via Caltech’s Student-Faculty Programs website and submit all required documentation before 22 February 2027.
