CALTECH Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program 2026 in USA
The Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program 2026 offers a fully funded research opportunity for outstanding undergraduate students to conduct innovative, hands-on research at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States. Open to students from all countries and academic backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the program allows participants to work directly with world-class faculty mentors on cutting-edge research projects across diverse scientific fields.
Read the full details of this research fellowship to see if you are eligible to begin your 10-week paid research journey at Caltech, gain real-world research experience, and build a strong foundation for future graduate studies or global research careers.
Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Summary
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Study Abroad: Study in USA
- Host: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Category: Internships | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | $8,110 Stipend
- Deadline: February 22, 2026
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Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Details
The Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program 2026 allows exceptional undergraduate students to conduct advanced, hands-on research at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, USA. Through this 10-week summer program, participants work directly with Caltech faculty mentors on groundbreaking research projects that contribute to solving real-world scientific and technological challenges.
Each summer, selected fellows design and carry out an independent research project under professional supervision. The experience is structured around Caltech’s core research areas, which include:
- Physics, Astronomy, and Space Science
- Biology and Biomedical Engineering
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
- Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance and a genuine interest in scientific inquiry. There is no application fee, and applicants from all over the world are eligible to apply, especially those with backgrounds or curiosity in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
Eligibility Requirements for the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
To be considered for the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program at the time of application.
- Have a strong academic record and a genuine interest in the specified area of research.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Though there is no strict GPA cutoff
- Open to both U.S. and international students from all countries.
- Have a good command of written and spoken English.
- Must be available for the entire 10-week research period (usually from June to August).
Check out this Fully Funded BSc Scholarship in the USA. Watch how to apply on our YouTube Channel:
Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Benefits
Selected fellows will receive the following benefits:
- Receive a $8,110 award for the 10-week research period.
- Work directly with Caltech faculty mentors on cutting-edge projects in science, engineering, and technology.
- Gain skills in scientific writing, presentations, and research communication
- Connect with top researchers, scholars, and peers from around the world.
- Experience academic and cultural life at one of the world’s leading research universities in the USA.
Other USA-based scholarships you might be eligible for:
- Harvard LEAD Fellowship Program 2026/2027 in USA | Fully Funded
- 2026 McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship in USA | How to Apply
- World Bank Government Analytics Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded
- Masters Scholarship 2026 at Texas Tech University in USA | Fully Funded
- Eastern Michigan University Presidential Scholarship 2026 in USA | Fully Funded
- The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2025/2026 in USA | Fully Funded
- Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026 in USA (Fully Funded)
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Research proposal (developed with a Caltech mentor)
- Academic transcript(s)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- Two letters of recommendation (preferably academic references)
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How to Apply for the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
To apply for the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURF), interested and qualified candidates should:
- Visit the official ‘SURF at Caltech’ website below and access the application portal.
- Complete the online application form carefully with accurate information.
- Upload all required documents and ensure your submission is made before the deadline.
- Note that awards will be made based on the strength of the application and available funding.
- Successful applicants will be notified by April 1 via email.
- Follow the provided instructions and forms in the email to accept the award.
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Deadline
February 22, 2026
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