Apply Now: Fully FundedCaltech SURF Research Fellowship for Undergraduates

Are you an undergraduate student in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) looking for a fully-funded summer research opportunity at one of the world’s top institutions? The Caltech SURF program offers you the chance to conduct cutting-edge research under expert mentorship, boost your academic profile, and gain a competitive edge for graduate school or research careers.

About the SURF Program

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program at Caltech is a prestigious, 10-week summer research experience where undergraduates collaborate with faculty mentors to define and carry out original research projects.

The model is similar to the grant-seeking process: you develop a project proposal, apply, and if selected, spend the summer doing deep work, submit a technical report, and present your findings.

Benefits of the Caltech SURF Program

The Caltech SURF Fellowship offers far more than just a summer internship. It provides a high-impact research experience designed to accelerate your academic and professional growth. Here are the key benefits:

• Fully Funded Research Support:
  Participants receive a $8,110 summer research stipend, allowing you to focus entirely on your project without financial stress.
• Work With Leading Scientists and Researchers:
  You will collaborate directly with Caltech faculty, research scientists, and PhD mentors — gaining insight into cutting-edge discoveries and real-world scientific problem-solving.
• Hands-On Research Experience:
• SURF gives you the opportunity to design and carry out your own research project, strengthening your analytical skills, lab skills, and research methodology.
• Boost Your Graduate School & Scholarship Prospects:
• Completing SURF significantly increases your chances of being selected for PhD programs, international scholarships, and research fellowships worldwide.
• Professional Networking Opportunities:
• You will join a global research community, attend seminars, workshops, and conferences, and build connections that can support your future academic and career journey.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for SURF at Caltech you must meet the following:

For Caltech students:

• Be a continuing undergraduate student.
• Have completed at least the third term (or its equivalent) at Caltech or another approved institution.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
• Be eligible for fall-term registration before beginning the SURF project (and no later than July 1).
• Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanctions.

For International (non-Caltech) undergraduate students:

1. Be enrolled in a degree-granting undergraduate program and eligible for fall-term registration.
2. Student-Faculty ProgramsHave a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0.
3. Have completed at least the second semester or third quarter at your institution.
4. Must also not be under any disciplinary sanction.
5. Important notes: Remote research is not allowed — participants must conduct research in person on the Caltech campus

Application Process & Deadline

Here’s how to apply for the SURF program at Caltech:

1. Identify and contact a research mentor (faculty at Caltech) before submitting your application. The mentor must approve your project and support your proposal.
2. Prepare a research proposal with:
   • Background and context of the project
   • Research objectives and significance
   • Detailed work plan (for the 10-week period)
   • Techniques and methods you will use
3. Gather application materials:

• Unofficial transcript (for non-Caltech students).
• Two confidential letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member) due at the same time as your application.

Application Deadline

Submit your application by February 22.

Award notifications are typically sent by April 1. Student-Faculty Programs

If selected, commit to the full 10-week summer period, submit interim reports and final report, and present your research in the SURF Seminar Day.

Why You Should Apply

• Gain hands-on research experience at one of the world’s leading institutions — ideal for those seeking graduate school, research careers, or academic excellence.
• Receive a significant financial award that supports your research effort exclusively (US $8,110).
• Develop a strong professional profile: publish results, present at seminars, network with faculty and peers.
• Elevate your application credentials for graduate programs, internships, or academic positions in STEM.
• Enhance your technical, writing, and presentation skills by working on a real research project from start to finish.

How to Apply for the Caltech SURF Program

Applying to the SURF program is a structured process and you must contact a mentor first before submitting your application. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Identify a Research Area
   Visit Caltech departments or research labs and look for faculty whose work interests you.
2. Contact a Potential Faculty Mentor
   Email the professor explaining:
   • Who you are
   • Your academic background
   • Why you are interested in their research
   • Your goal for the summer
3. Develop Your Research Proposal
4. Work with your mentor to create a proposal that includes:

• Project background
• Research goals
• Methodology and timeline for the 10-week period.
• 5. Prepare Application Materials
• You will need:
• Online application (via the Student-Faculty Programs portal)
• Research proposal
• Unofficial transcript (non-Caltech students)
• Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member)
• Submit Everything OnlineAll materials must be submitted through the Caltech Student-Faculty Programs portal:👉 https://sfp.caltech.edu/applyWait for NotificationDecisions are usually released by early April.

Key Reminder

• Application Deadline: February 22
• Program Duration: 10 weeks (Summer)
• Award: $8,110 stipend