Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) 2027

Caltech's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF), running since 1979, are a ten-week in-person research programme in Pasadena. They are open to students from other universities, including international students studying outside the US, for projects on the Caltech campus (JPL projects are for US citizens and permanent residents only). SURF follows the grant-seeking model: the student contacts a Caltech faculty member who agrees to mentor the project and to contribute to the award, they define the project together, and the student writes a research proposal that is reviewed with the application. Over the summer the student submits two interim reports, an abstract and a final technical paper, and presents at a SURF Seminar Day, with weekly seminars, workshops and social events. The 2027 award is $8,354 for the ten weeks. Travel, housing and health insurance come out of the award; fellows may not take courses or hold another job, and remote projects are not allowed. Visiting students must be continuing undergraduates with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0 who have completed their second semester. International students coming to the US receive F-1 or J-1 visa instructions after the award. Apply through the SFP online system by 22 February 2027 with the application, research proposal, transcript and two letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member). Do not apply before a Caltech mentor has agreed.