The Rockefeller University Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026 is a prestigious 10-week, fully funded program in New York, USA, designed for high-achieving undergraduate students from all countries. The fellowship offers practical laboratory research experience in the life or physical sciences, matching students with faculty mentors. The program provides a $6,500 stipend intended to cover accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs, along with free housing for students who cannot commute. The application deadline is February 1, 2026.
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Rockefeller University Summer Undergraduate Program Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution/Host | The Rockefeller University, New York, USA |
| Country | United States of America (USA) |
| Degree Level | Summer Internship / Research Fellowship (Undergraduate) |
| Target Audience | U.S. citizens and International Students (All Countries) |
| Coverage | Full Sponsorship (Stipend, Accommodation, Travel Costs) |
| Reward Value/Range | $6,500.00 Stipend for 10 weeks |
| No IELTS Required | Yes |
| Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
Rockefeller University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026 Details
Every year, Rockefeller University in New York, USA, welcomes approximately 25 outstanding college students for the highly competitive Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. This intensive 10-week program is specifically designed to provide qualified, highly motivated college students majoring in the life or physical sciences with an invaluable opportunity to experience real laboratory research.
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SURF students are matched according to their stated field of interest with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, or graduate students. These experienced mentors volunteer to help design and supervise individualized summer projects for the students, ensuring a hands-on and impactful research experience.
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage ($6,500 Stipend & Travel)
The SURF program ensures that financial constraints do not limit access for top students by offering a fully sponsored package:
- Stipend: Accepted students will receive a stipend of $6,500.00 for the full 10-week period (June 1 through August 7, 2026).
- Accommodation: Free housing will be provided for all students accepted into the program who cannot commute to the New York City campus.
- Travel Costs: The stipend is also intended to cover travel costs associated with participating in the program.
Tier 2: Research Experience & Mentorship
The core benefit of the SURF program is the exposure to world-class research and dedicated mentorship:
- 10-Week Intensive Research: Participants engage in an intensive, hands-on laboratory research project.
- Mentorship: Students are partnered with dedicated mentors (faculty, postdocs, or graduate students) who supervise individualized summer projects.
- Global Networking: The program accepts 25 undergraduate students from all over the world, fostering an international scientific community.
Tier 3: Available Research Areas
The fellowship is open to students interested in a variety of scientific disciplines, including:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology and Chemistry
- Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
- Immunology
- Virology and Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Physics
- Mathematical Biology
Eligibility Requirements for Rockefeller University SURF Program 2026
To be considered for the Rockefeller University SURF Program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Study Status: Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student.
- Citizenship: Be U.S. citizens or international students from outside the USA.
- Academic Record: Have a strong academic record and a genuine interest in the specified area of research (life or physical sciences).
- GPA: Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Language: No IELTS is required for application.
How to Apply for Rockefeller University Summer Undergraduate Program 2026 (Step by Step)
To apply for the Rockefeller University Summer Undergraduate Program, interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps:
- Access the Application: Navigate to the official SURF application page (via the green button below).
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the comprehensive online application form accurately.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, as specified by the application portal.
- Submission and Review: Submit the completed application before the deadline. Completed applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.
- Notification: Final decisions regarding acceptance will be made by mid-March 2026.
Application Deadline
The final deadline to submit the online application for the Rockefeller University SURF Program is February 1, 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline to apply for the Rockefeller University SURF Program 2026?
The application deadline for the Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026 is February 1, 2026.
2. What is the duration and key dates for the 2026 fellowship?
The fellowship is a 10-week program that runs from June 1 through August 7, 2026.
3. What is the total financial value of the fellowship stipend?
The students accepted into the SURF program will receive a stipend of $6,500.00 for the full 10-week period.
4. Is the program open to students from outside the United States?
Yes, the Rockefeller University SURF Program is open to both U.S. citizens and international students from all countries.
5. Does the fellowship cover the cost of accommodation in New York City?
Yes, free housing is provided for all students who cannot commute to the university’s campus for the duration of the 10-week program.
6. Do I need to provide proof of English language proficiency like IELTS or TOEFL?
No, the program explicitly states that No IELTS is Required for the application process.
7. What is the minimum academic requirement (GPA) to be eligible?
Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 to be considered for the program.
8. What academic disciplines are covered by the research fellowships?
The fellowships are primarily designed for students majoring in the life or physical sciences, including areas like Neuroscience, Immunology, Biochemistry, and Physics.
9. When can applicants expect to receive the final decision on their application?
Final decisions regarding acceptance into the Rockefeller University SURF Program will be made by mid-March 2026.
10. How are applications reviewed, and does early application matter?
The university states that completed applications are reviewed in the order they are received, suggesting that applying early is highly beneficial.
