Fully Funded Rockefeller University SURF Scholarships 2026

If you’re an undergraduate student majoring in the life or physical sciences and looking for an intensive summer research experience in one of the world’s major hubs of science — the SURF programme at Rockefeller offers exactly that.

 Program Overview

The SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship) at Rockefeller University is a 10-week, on-campus research fellowship designed for college sophomores and juniors. Students are placed in a laboratory at the university, work on a focused project under a faculty or post-doctoral mentor, and gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge scientific investigation.

 Benefits & Details

• Duration: Starts early June, runs approximately through early–mid August. (Rockefeller University)
• Stipend: US $6,500 for the 10-week period. (Rockefeller University)
• Housing: Free housing is provided for students who cannot commute. (Rockefeller University)
• Research fields: The programme spans life sciences, structural biology, chemistry, molecular/cell biology, immunology, virology, neuroscience, physics, mathematical biology. (Rockefeller University)

 Eligibility & Key Requirements

• Applicants should be undergraduates at the sophomore or junior level at the time of application. (Surf Application)
• Open to international students as well. (Rockefeller University)
• Applicants must submit:
  • Completed online application form. (Rockefeller University)
  • A personal statement (two pages, single-spaced) covering your academic background, scientific interests, any research experience, career goals, how you will contribute to the programme and benefit from it. (Surf Application)
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (scanned upload) – unofficial transcripts won’t be accepted.
  • Two letters of recommendation (preferably from professors or research mentors who can comment on lab performance or research relevance). (Rockefeller University)

 Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: February 1 (e.g., February 1 2025 for program starting June 2025) (Scholarships Future)
• Notification of acceptance: Mid-March.
• Program dates example: June 2 – August 8, 2025. (Rockefeller University)

 Why This Programme Stands Out

• Experiencing research in a leading institution on Manhattan’s Upper East Side gives you exposure to world-class science in a global city. (Rockefeller University)
• The immersive 10-week format allows you to live and work like a graduate student, gain scientific presentation experience (weekly Journal Club, final poster session) and build your CV for graduate school or research careers. (Rockefeller University)
• For those from abroad, the inclusive eligibility means your international background is welcome, helping diversify scientific communities and build global networks.