CALTECH University Summer Research Program 2027 in USA (Fully Funded)
The CALTECH University Summer Research Program 2027 (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships – SURF) offers an extraordinary opportunity for undergraduate students worldwide to conduct groundbreaking research at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States. This 10-week, fully funded program allows participants to work directly under the guidance of world-renowned faculty members and research scientists at Caltech and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Designation
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow / Research Intern
Program Details Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
| Location | Pasadena, California, United States |
| Program Duration | 10 Weeks (Summer 2027) |
| Financial Support | Fully Funded ($8,110 Stipend) |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Nationalities (US Citizens & International Students) |
| Application Deadline | February 22, 2027 |
Scholarship Description
The Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program introduces students to research under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Participants get an authentic experience of research project development, proposal writing, laboratory work, and professional presentation.
Selected candidates receive a generous total stipend of $8,110 for the 10-week duration. This award is designed to cover essential living and travel expenses, including:
- Round-trip airfare and travel costs
- Campus accommodation
- Daily meal allowances
- US Visa processing fees (for international participants)
- Personal living expenses
Beyond laboratory research, the program offers an array of professional development activities:
- Weekly seminars and workshops hosted by Caltech scientists and JPL engineers.
- Communication and presentation skills training.
- Small-group social meals with faculty members.
- Networking opportunities with global research cohorts.
Research Area
The program focuses primarily on STEM fields, including but not limited to:
- Biological Sciences & Bioengineering
- Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering & Applied Science
- Geological & Planetary Sciences
- Physics, Mathematics & Astronomy
- Interdisciplinary Space Sciences (in collaboration with NASA JPL)
Location
The research internship takes place at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) campus in Pasadena, California, USA, with select projects conducted in partnership with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Eligibility / Qualification
To qualify for the Caltech Summer Research Program 2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Student Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled as undergraduate students in a degree-granting program. High school students and graduate students are not eligible.
- Academic Performance: Candidates must possess a strong academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Nationality: Open to all candidates globally, regardless of citizenship or country of residence.
- Research Commitment: Must demonstrate a genuine interest in scientific research and be able to commit to the full 10-week program timeline.
Required Documents:
- Completed Online Application Form
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- Official Academic Transcripts
- Detailed Research Proposal (developed in collaboration with a prospective Caltech/JPL mentor)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Copy of Valid Passport or National ID Card
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application online through the official Caltech Student Faculty Programs portal. Follow these steps to apply:
- Identify and connect with a potential mentor at Caltech or JPL to discuss research project opportunities.
- Draft a collaborative research proposal outlining your study objectives and methodologies.
- Complete the online application form and upload all supporting documentation before the closing date.
To begin your online application and review detailed instructions, visit the Official Caltech SURF Application Portal.
Last Date for Apply
The final deadline to submit the complete application and all supporting materials for the Caltech Summer Research Program 2027 is February 22, 2027.