Stanford University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2027

Scholarship Details

Introduction

Applications are open for the 2027 Stanford University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), an eight-week research programme organised by Stanford University’s School of Engineering in the United States.

The programme provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to conduct research in a Stanford Engineering laboratory, receive mentorship, develop research skills and prepare for graduate studies in engineering.

The 2027 programme will bring 15 undergraduate students to Stanford for a fully funded research and graduate school preparation experience. Selected participants will receive accommodation, meals, transportation support, health insurance where needed, Stanford summer registration coverage and a US$6,000 stipend upon successful completion.

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The application deadline is 1 February 2027.

About the Stanford SURF Programme

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship aims to build a community of future graduate student engineers and promote inclusive excellence within science and engineering.

Since its inception, SURF has provided undergraduate students with opportunities to conduct scientific research and prepare for graduate studies in engineering.

The programme is designed to broaden access to high-impact research experiences, particularly for students who are first-generation university students, come from low-income backgrounds or have limited access to research opportunities at their current institutions.

During the programme, fellows will participate in:

• An eight-week summer research experience in a Stanford Engineering laboratory.
• Graduate school preparation activities.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities.
• Community-building activities and cohort events on Stanford’s campus and around the Bay Area.
• A research symposium featuring poster sessions and lightning talks.

The programme also aims to increase students’ participation in scientific research, interest in graduate school and interest in STEM careers.

Benefits of the Internship

Stanford Engineering will cover the costs associated with participation in the 2027 SURF programme.

Selected fellows will receive:

• US$6,000 stipend: Paid upon successful completion of the programme.
• Accommodation: Housing during the programme.
• Meals: Meal support throughout the programme.
• Transportation: Travel costs associated with participation.
• Health insurance: Coverage where needed.
• Summer registration: Stanford University summer registration costs are covered.
• Research experience: An opportunity to work in a Stanford Engineering laboratory.
• Mentorship and networking: Guidance and opportunities to connect with researchers and other participants.
• Graduate school preparation: Activities designed to help students understand and prepare for doctoral studies.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: Be at least 18 years old.
2. Undergraduate enrolment: Be a currently enrolled, full-time undergraduate student at an accredited public or private college or university.
3. Academic performance: Be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants with exceptional circumstances or a clear improvement in their academic performance may also be considered if explained in their statement of purpose.
4. Research and career interests: Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing graduate studies leading to a PhD in an engineering field. Applicants intending to pursue an MD, MD-PhD, JD, MBA, a PhD outside engineering or another non-research-focused advanced degree are not suitable for this programme.
5. Academic progress: Have completed their sophomore year of undergraduate study, equivalent to four semesters or six quarters, and have at least one full semester or quarter remaining after the summer programme.
6. Study level: Applicants should be rising juniors or non-graduating seniors. Master’s and doctoral students are not eligible.
7. Availability: Be available for the entire programme period and able to reside on Stanford’s campus.
8. Programme commitment: Fellows cannot enrol in summer courses, undertake other internships or be employed while participating in SURF.

Important Eligibility Restriction for International Students

Although some third-party announcements describe the opportunity as open to international students worldwide, Stanford’s official 2027 SURF eligibility information states that applicants must be enrolled full-time at a college or university located in the United States.

International students studying in the United States may qualify if they have approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorisation.

Students who are permanently living outside the United States or enrolled full-time at a university outside the United States are not eligible for the 2027 programme.

This means Nigerian students studying full-time at Nigerian universities cannot apply under the published 2027 eligibility rules.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• Must be typed and single-spaced.
• Should be between one and two pages.

2. Academic Transcript

• An unofficial academic transcript is acceptable.
• An official transcript is not required for the application.

3. Statement of Purpose

Applicants must submit a statement explaining their academic preparation, goals and current research interests.

The statement should clearly address:

• Their interest in pursuing doctoral-level (PhD) training.
• Their academic and research preparation.
• Experiences that have prepared them to undertake rigorous research.
• Their motivation for participating in the programme.

The statement must be typed, single-spaced and between one and two pages.

4. Two Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide two recommendation letters.

Stanford strongly recommends obtaining letters from professors or academic and research supervisors who know the applicant well and can discuss their academic potential and research preparation.

Strong recommendations should provide specific examples of the applicant’s academic accomplishments and personal qualities, such as collaboration, motivation and resilience.

5. Enhancing the Learning Community Statement – Optional

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an optional statement of up to 500 words.

This statement should discuss personally important experiences, values, perspectives or activities that have shaped them as students and researchers.

Applicants should explain how these experiences have influenced their academic journey, their approach to engineering and research, and the distinctive contribution they could make to the SURF programme.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through Stanford Engineering’s official application portal.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Stanford SURF programme website.
2. Review the programme details and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
3. Access the online application portal.
4. Complete the application form.
5. Upload your one-to-two-page CV or resume.
6. Upload your academic transcript.
7. Submit your one-to-two-page statement of purpose.
8. Provide two letters of recommendation.
9. Include the optional Enhancing the Learning Community statement if you wish.
10. Review your application and submit it before the deadline.

Emailed applications and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Stanford also provides examples of previous application statements to help applicants prepare competitive submissions. These examples are not intended to prescribe a particular writing style. Applicants are encouraged to reflect their genuine interests and experiences and seek feedback from trusted mentors or university writing-centre tutors.

Stanford’s Policy on AI Use

Stanford permits limited, supportive use of AI tools for activities such as brainstorming, organising early ideas and making minor spelling or grammar corrections.

However, all written application materials must represent the applicant’s own ideas, reflections, experiences, voice and judgement.

Using AI to generate application responses, rewrite or significantly refine statements, or interpret personal experiences on the applicant’s behalf is not permitted.

Application Timeline

The important dates for the 2027 programme are:

• Application opens: 1 November 2026.
• Application deadline: 1 February 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Admission decisions: Applicants will be notified by mid-March 2027.
• Programme period: June 21 – August 13, 2027.

Information Sessions

Stanford has scheduled the following virtual information sessions, with times given in Pacific Time:

• 10 November 2026: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (past event).
• 17 December 2026: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• 12 January 2027: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Application Office Hours

Applicants can also attend the following virtual application office hours:

• 27 January 2027: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• 29 January 2027: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

All times are Pacific Time.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the Stanford University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2027 is:

1 February 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

Incomplete or emailed applications will not be reviewed.

Contact Information

For questions about the SURF programme, contact:

Email: surf-program@stanford.edu

Institution: Stanford University School of Engineering

Address: 475 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.

Conclusion

The Stanford Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2027 offers undergraduate students an opportunity to gain research experience at Stanford Engineering, receive mentorship and prepare for doctoral studies in engineering.

The programme covers participation costs, including transportation, accommodation and meals, and provides a US$6,000 stipend upon successful completion.

However, applicants should carefully review the international eligibility restrictions. Students enrolled full-time at universities outside the United States are not eligible under Stanford’s published 2027 requirements.

Application Link

Official Stanford SURF Programme:

https://engineering.stanford.edu/SURF

Online Application Portal:

https://stanfordeii.slideroom.com

Official Programme Information and Requirements:

https://engineering.stanford.edu/SURF