[California Institute of Technology](https://www.caltech.edu)

March 2027: SURF full application deadline (projected) | March 2027: Recommendation letters submission deadline (projected)

$8,110 per student for a 10-week summer research period (2026 rate; future years may adjust)

Enables undergraduates to conduct full-time, mentored summer research at Caltech, culminating in presentations and professional development activities.

--- ## Description The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program at Caltech offers undergraduates the opportunity to engage in hands-on, full-time research over a 10-week summer period under the guidance of experienced mentors. Modeled on the professional grant-seeking process, SURF immerses students in all stages of research: project development, proposal writing, research execution, and dissemination of results. Fellows participate in technical seminars, professional development workshops, and social activities, and are required to submit interim and final reports as well as present their findings at seminar days. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027: SURF full application deadline (anticipated/projected) - March 2027: Recommendation letters submission deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Award: $8,110 per participant for the 10-week summer period (2026 rate; subject to change in future cycles) - Awards are made based on application strength and available funding. --- ## Eligibility - Open to undergraduate students from Caltech and other accredited institutions. - Applicants must identify and secure a Caltech faculty mentor prior to applying. - Visiting (non-Caltech) students must submit an unofficial transcript at application; official transcript required if selected. - Two confidential recommendation letters are required (at least one from a faculty member). - Students must commit to full-time research on campus for the duration of the program (no courses or other employment permitted). - Returning SURF students should demonstrate increasing research depth and independence. - Projects must have significant intellectual content and the potential for publication. --- ## Application Process - Identify and contact a Caltech faculty mentor who agrees to support and help develop your research project. - Prepare and submit the following via the SFP Online system: - Online application form - Research proposal (developed with mentor) - Unofficial transcript (for visiting students) - Contact information for two recommenders (at least one faculty member) - Mentor will provide a separate evaluation; recommenders submit letters directly to the online system. - Applications are evaluated based on project clarity, feasibility, applicant preparation, and quality of recommendations. - Awards are announced in early April, with instructions for acceptance provided by email. --- ## Additional Information - Research must be conducted in person at Caltech; remote projects are not permitted. - Fellows are required to submit two interim reports, an abstract, a final technical paper, and give an oral presentation at the end of the program. - Participation includes access to seminars, workshops, and community-building events. - Applicants should consult with mentors or the SFP office regarding the use of generative AI tools in application materials. --- ## External Links - [Program page: SURF at Caltech](https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/programs/surf) - [Application information](https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/programs/surf/application_information) - [Finding a mentor](https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/getting-started/finding_a_mentor) - [Caltech Honor Code](https://www.deans.caltech.edu/HonorCode) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Caltech Contact Page](https://www.caltech.edu/contact) | | Phone | (626) 395-6811 | | Program Information | [SURF at Caltech](https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/programs/surf) | ---

SURF at Caltech

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