Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2026

📖 About Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program is one of the "crown jewels" of Caltech. Since 1979, SURF students have had the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of experienced mentors working at the frontier of their fields.

Sponsor Organization:

• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

🎁 Benefits of Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

• Paid Fellowship in the USA: Fellows will receive a Caltech SURF stipend of $8,110 for the ten-week research period.
• Weekly seminars by Caltech faculty and JPL scientists/engineers.
• Academic and professional development sessions on pursuing research careers and graduate school admissions.
• Participation in effective communication workshops.
• Weekly small student-faculty dinners.
• Engagement in social events and cultural activities.
• Opportunity to be part of the California Institute of Technology.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

For Caltech Students:

• Must be an undergraduate student continuing their studies.
• Should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
• Must complete the third term at Caltech or another institution under a Dean-approved program.
• Eligible for fall term registration before starting the SURF project, no later than 1 July.
• Should not have any academic or disciplinary sanctions.

For Visiting (Non-Caltech) Students:

• Must be an undergraduate student continuing their studies and eligible for fall term registration.
• Should maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must complete the second semester or third quarter at their current college or university.
• Should not have any academic or disciplinary sanctions.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Visit the application website to apply.

⏳ Application Deadline

• 22 February, 2026

🔗 Scholarship Application Portal

• View details of the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
• Apply directly via the Caltech SURF application portal.

For more information, visit the official Caltech SURF website and start your application today!

• The SURF program is a paid fellowship in USA. Fellows will receive a Caltech SURF stipend of $8,110 for the ten-week research period.
• They will attend weekly seminars by Caltech faculty and JPL scientists/engineers.
• Moreover, fellows will participate in academic and professional development sessions on pursuing research careers and graduate school admissions.
• They will also be a part of effective communication workshops.
• Similarly, Caltech summer fellows will engage in weekly small student-faculty dinners.
• All students will participate in social events and cultural activities as part of the Caltech Summer Research Fellowship 2026.
• It is a fantastic summer fellowship in USA where students will be a part of the California Institute of Technology.