Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) 2027 in the USA | Paid Research Program

The Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) 2027 offer an outstanding opportunity for undergraduate students to conduct advanced research at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the world’s leading science and engineering universities.

The SURF program provides a 10-week immersive research experience in which students work closely with Caltech faculty mentors to develop and conduct independent research projects. The program follows a research grant model, allowing students to identify a mentor, develop a research proposal, and carry out a project with significant intellectual and creative content.

The program is designed to prepare students for future graduate studies, academic research, and scientific careers while introducing them to the research process from project development through final presentation.

Benefits of Caltech SURF 2027

Selected fellows receive the following support and opportunities:

• Research award: $8,354 for the 10-week summer research period.
• Faculty mentorship: Work directly with Caltech faculty and experienced researchers.
• Research experience: Conduct an independent, intellectually challenging research project.
• Academic seminars: Attend weekly seminars led by Caltech faculty and scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
• Professional development: Participate in workshops on research careers, graduate school applications, and academic communication.
• Research presentation: Present research findings at a SURF Seminar Day.
• Academic writing: Develop research abstracts, interim reports, and a final technical paper.
• Networking: Interact with researchers, faculty members, and fellow undergraduate students.
• Graduate school preparation: Gain experience that can strengthen future applications to PhD programs.

The SURF award is a paid research stipend, not a fully funded international scholarship. Visiting students should carefully budget for additional expenses, particularly accommodation, meals, travel, and visa costs.

Research Areas

SURF projects are available across a broad range of academic disciplines, depending on participating faculty and available research opportunities.

Potential areas include:

Engineering and Applied Sciences

Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, and related fields.

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning, AI, computational science, algorithms, software systems, and data science.

Physics and Astronomy

Experimental and theoretical physics, astrophysics, quantum science, and related research.

Biology and Biomedical Research

Molecular biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, chemistry, and interdisciplinary life sciences.

Mathematics and Statistics

Applied mathematics, computational mathematics, statistical modelling, and theoretical research.

Applicants are expected to identify a suitable faculty mentor and develop a specific research project rather than simply applying to a general summer internship.

Eligibility Criteria

For Visiting (Non-Caltech) Students

Applicants must generally meet the following requirements:

• Academic enrollment: Be currently enrolled in a degree-granting undergraduate program.
• Continuing student status: Be eligible to register for the following fall academic term after completing the summer research.
• Academic progress: Have completed at least the second semester or third quarter of university study.
• Minimum GPA: Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Academic background: Have relevant coursework, skills, or experience related to the proposed research project.
• Research mentorship: Obtain prior approval and support from a Caltech faculty mentor.
• Research proposal: Develop a specific project in collaboration with the mentor.
• Academic standing: Must not be under academic or disciplinary sanctions.

Can International Students Apply?

Yes. International undergraduate students are eligible for SURF at Caltech.

Students studying at universities outside the United States, including Nepal, may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements and secure a supportive Caltech faculty mentor.

However, international students are not eligible for SURF placements at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). JPL placements are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

International students selected for SURF at Caltech will receive instructions regarding the appropriate F-1 or J-1 visa process. Applicants already studying in the United States must obtain appropriate off-campus employment authorization before beginning the program.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Online application: Complete the official application through the Student-Faculty Programs (SFP) online system.
2. Research proposal: A detailed proposal developed with the prospective faculty mentor, explaining the research question, background, methods, objectives, and work plan.
3. Academic transcript: Visiting students must submit an unofficial transcript at the time of application. Official transcripts may be required after selection.
4. Two recommendation letters: At least one must be from a faculty member. Recommendations are submitted confidentially through the application system.
5. Faculty mentor evaluation: The prospective Caltech mentor provides a separate confidential evaluation.

Applicants should contact potential faculty mentors well in advance. Applications without prior faculty mentor approval will not be considered.

Program Dates and Application Deadline

• Program: Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) 2027
• Host Institution: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• Location: Pasadena, California, USA
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Program Start Date: June 15, 2027
• Application Deadline: February 22, 2027
• Selection Results: April 1, 2027

All application documents and recommendation letters must be submitted by the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to begin contacting faculty mentors as early as possible.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Caltech SURF application information page.
2. Explore available research projects and participating faculty members.
3. Contact a suitable Caltech faculty mentor and discuss your research interests.
4. Develop a research proposal with the mentor’s guidance.
5. Prepare your academic transcript and request two recommendation letters.
6. Complete the online application through the SFP system.
7. Submit the complete application before February 22, 2027.

Caltech SURF is a valuable opportunity for ambitious undergraduate researchers to gain hands-on experience, collaborate with world-class faculty, and develop the research skills needed for future graduate study and scientific careers.