Caltech Summer Research Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded Opportunity for Undergrads

Applications for the 2026 Caltech Summer Research Fellowships are now open for all international students. SURF is a 10-week, on-campus summer research fellowship where undergraduate students collaborate directly with a Caltech faculty mentor.

Applicants define a research project, write a proposal, and if selected, carry out the work full-time over the summer. At the end, fellows submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation at one of the SURF Seminar Days.

Caltech Summer Research Fellowship Summary

Benefits of the Caltech Summer Research Program

• A stipend of US $8,110 for the ten weeks (2026 award) for fellows.
• Full immersion in a research environment at Caltech: weekly seminars by Caltech faculty and JPL scientists, development workshops (graduate school, research careers, communication), and social/cultural events.
• Opportunity to write a research proposal, conduct independent work, gain authorship potential, and present results in a professional setting.
• Structured experience: includes interim reports, abstract, final technical paper, and oral presentation.

Also Check: Australia Awards Fellowships 2026 (Round 21)

Job Responsibilities as a SURF Fellow

• Devote full effort to conducting the SURF project for the whole ten-week period; cannot take courses or hold another job.
• Conduct research in person at Caltech; remote projects are not allowed.
• Submit two interim reports, an abstract, and a final technical paper (all approved by the mentor).
• Give a final oral presentation of the project.
• Abide by Caltech’s Honor Code and campus policies.

Also Check: Global China Fellows Program 2026 in USA

Eligibility Requirements for the Caltech Summer Research Program

For Caltech students:

• Must be a continuing undergraduate student.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
• Must complete the third term at Caltech (or equivalent approved program) before beginning the SURF.
• Must be eligible for fall term registration prior to starting the SURF and no later than July 1.
• Not under any academic or disciplinary sanctions.

For visiting (non-Caltech) students:

• Must be a continuing undergraduate student and eligible for fall term registration.
• Must have completed the second semester or third quarter at their college/university.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0.
• High school students (even those enrolled in college courses) are not eligible.
• Additional rules apply for international students: They are eligible for SURF at the Caltech campus; however, for the associated JPL-based SURF, only U.S. citizens/permanent residents qualify. International students will go through visa/training authorization steps.

Also Check: MOPGA Fellowship Program 2026 in Paris, France

Selection Criteria of the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Applications are judged on the following criteria:

• The research proposal should demonstrate clarity, understanding of the project scope, relevance to the field, and a work plan.
• Project suitability: the proposed project must allow the student intellectual ownership, have potential for publication in a refereed journal, and be feasible within the 10-week time frame.
• Student preparedness: coursework, prior experience, etc., indicating the student is ready for the research.
• Mentor and faculty evaluations: supportive recommendations and evaluations from the mentor/faculty.
• For returning SURF students, the application should reflect a higher depth of research experience.

Also Check: Yale World Fellows Program 2026 in USA

Required Documents for Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

An online application form via SFP Online.

A research proposal written by the student and uploaded.

Unofficial transcript (for visiting/non-Caltech students) at time of application; official transcript may be required after award.

Two confidential letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member).

Mentor agreement: A Caltech faculty mentor must have agreed to support the application, help define the research project, contribute financially, and participate in the review.

How to Apply for the Caltech Summer Research Fellowship

1. Identify and contact a potential Caltech faculty mentor before submitting your application. The mentor must agree to support you and assist in developing the project.
2. Develop a project proposal with your mentor, including background information, methods/techniques, relevance, and a work plan.
3. Submit your complete application (online) by the deadline (Feb 22 for the listed year), including research proposal, transcript (if required), and recommender letters.
4. After submission, the mentor will be asked for a confidential evaluation.
5. Award decisions are typically announced around April 1.
6. If selected, you accept and complete onboarding, then engage in full-time, in-person research over the summer.