Stanford SURF Bay Area 2026 – Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Scholarship Details

The Stanford SURF Bay Area (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship) 2026 is a prestigious 8-week summer research program offered by the Stanford University School of Engineering. It brings together a select group of undergraduate students from accredited colleges and universities to conduct immersive engineering research on Stanford’s campus in Palo Alto, California. This program integrates research experience with graduate school preparation, mentorship, and community building, giving participants a robust foundation for future academic and research careers.

Benefits

Participants in the SURF Bay Area Program receive valuable academic and professional support, including:

• Graduate school preparation workshops for PhD readiness
• 8-week hands-on research experience in a Stanford engineering lab
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with faculty and peers
• Community-building activities and research symposium
• $6,000 stipend upon successful completion
• Weekly cohort meals provided and program costs covered
• Health insurance coverage (if needed)
• Program covers Stanford summer registration costs

Note: Housing, transportation, and meal costs beyond cohort meals are the responsibility of the student.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the SURF Bay Area 2026 program, applicants must meet the following:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a currently enrolled full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university
• Be a rising junior or non-graduating senior (completed at least sophomore year)
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (exceptions considered with strong academic context)
• Demonstrate strong interest in pursuing graduate research (PhD) in an engineering field
• Be able to independently arrange housing, meals, and commuting to Stanford for the program dates
• Be fully available for the entire program period — no summer courses, jobs, or internships during SURF
• (International applicants are not eligible for this specific Bay Area cohort)

This opportunity is open to students across diverse engineering disciplines and college backgrounds within the U.S.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following materials for submission:

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae (1–2 pages)
• Academic transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable)
• Statement of Purpose explaining research interests and academic goals
• One Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member or research supervisor
• Optional Enriching the Learning Community (ELC) Statement (strongly encouraged)

Your Statement of Purpose should articulate your passion for research and reasons for pursuing a PhD or research-focused career.

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Program Dates & Deadline

Program Dates: June 22, 2026 – August 14, 2026 (in person at Stanford)
Application Window: December 15, 2025 – February 3, 2026 @ 11:59 PM PT
All applications must be submitted by the deadline; incomplete or late entries will not be reviewed.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Stanford SURF Bay Area application portal.
2. Create your profile and complete the online form.
3. Upload all required documents — resume, transcripts, statements, and letter of recommendation.
4. Review your application for accuracy.
5. Submit before February 3, 2026.

Final decisions are typically communicated in the second week of March.

FAQs

Is this a funded program?
Yes — selected students receive a $6,000 stipend, health insurance coverage, program registration coverage, and meals.

Who is the program for?
Undergraduate students from . colleges and universities — especially those interested in research and PhD paths in engineering.

Can I apply if I’m not an engineering major?
SURF is geared toward students committed to engineering research, but those with strong STEM backgrounds and research interest may be competitive.

Is housing provided?
No — students are responsible for arranging their own housing and commuting to campus, though cohort meals and registration costs are covered.

Is this program only virtual?
No — this SURF Bay Area cohort is in-person on Stanford’s campus for the entire program duration.

This is an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students eager to gain real research experience, build academic networks, and prepare for competitive graduate programs — all through one of the world’s leading engineering institutions.