The CALTECH SURF Program is a fully funded 10-week summer internship for both U.S. citizens and international undergraduate students. The program provides an $8,110 stipend intended to cover airfare, accommodation, meals, visa costs, and other personal expenses. Participants conduct research under the guidance of experienced mentors, which involves collaborating with a mentor to define a project, writing a research proposal, and carrying out the project over 10 weeks. Eligibility requires participants to be undergraduate students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Required documents include an application form, research proposal, unofficial transcript, and two letters of recommendation. The deadline is February 22, 2026, and awards will be announced on April 1.
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CALTECH SURF Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA |
| Category | Internships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (International and U.S. Students) |
| Reward | Full Sponsorship |
| Key Criteria | Undergraduate Student, Minimum 2.0 GPA, Research Proposal, 2 Letters of Recommendation |
| Application Deadline | February 22, 2026 |
The CALTECH Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURF) offers undergraduate students from around the world a prestigious opportunity to conduct high-level scientific research under the guidance of experienced mentors at the California Institute of Technology. This is a fully funded 10-week summer internship designed to give students practical, hands-on experience at the frontier of their fields.
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Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the CALTECH SURF Program
The program offers complete financial coverage for all participants, with a substantial stipend that can be used flexibly by the student.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award (Full Sponsorship and Stipend)
This tier details the direct financial support provided to the accepted Summer Research Fellows.
- Substantial Stipend: Participants will receive an $8,110 stipend. This fund is intended to cover all personal expenses associated with the 10-week program.
- Full Sponsorship Coverage: The $8,110 stipend is explicitly designed to cover all major costs, including Airfare Travel Expenses, Accommodation, Meals, Visa Cost (if any), and Other Personal Expenses.
- Mentor Cost Coverage: For international students, mentors have to bear the full cost of the award, ensuring the program remains fully sponsored for all selected candidates.
Tier 2: Program Focus and Research Structure (10-Weeks)
This tier highlights the developmental and practical research aspects of the fellowship.
- Duration: The internship is a Fully Funded 10-week summer program.
- Project Development: Students collaborate with a potential mentor to define and develop a research project tailored to their interests and the mentor’s area of expertise.
- Proposal Submission: Applicants write detailed research proposals outlining their project ideas, a key element of the application process.
- Research Execution: Awardees carry out their research projects over the 10 weeks during the summer, working directly under the guidance of a CALTECH faculty or senior researcher.
Tier 3: Key Requirements and Academic Support
This tier details the administrative and merit-based elements of the application process.
- No Application Fee: There is no application fee for the program, making it accessible to all eligible applicants.
- Faculty Review: The selection process includes a thorough Faculty Review of submitted proposals, with faculty members recommending awards to qualified applicants based on merit and research fit.
- Award Notification: Awards are announced on April 1, and students receive email notification with instructions for accepting the award.
Eligibility Requirements for CALTECH SURF Program 2026
To be considered for the CALTECH SURF Program, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their student status and academic record.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Have a strong academic record and a genuine interest in the specified area of research.
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
- Study Status:
- Must be undergraduate students at the time of application.
- Visa Status:
- Must be U.S. citizens or international students from outside the USA.
- Program Admission:
- Submission of all required documents, including a Research Proposal and 2 Letters of Recommendation.
How to Apply for CALTECH University Summer Research Program 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is done entirely online through the CALTECH SURF portal and requires several key documents to be prepared in advance.
- Access SURF Website: Click the button below to proceed to the ‘SURF at Caltech’ website.
- Complete Application Form: Proceed to the application portal and complete the application form with all necessary personal and academic details.
- Upload Documents: Upload all required documents, specifically the Research Proposal, Unofficial Transcript, and ensure your 2 Letters of Recommendation are submitted by the deadline.
- Submit and Await Notification: Submit your final application by the deadline. The award decisions will be made on the strength of the application and available funding and will be announced on April 1.
Application Deadline: February 22, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total duration of the SURF Program?
The Program is a Fully Funded 10-week program for undergraduate students.
2. What expenses are covered by the $8,110 stipend?
The $8,110 stipend is designed to cover Airfare Travel Expenses, Accommodation, Meals, Visa Cost (if any), and other Personal Expenses, providing full financial support.
3. Are international students eligible to apply for the SURF program?
Yes, the program is open to both U.S. citizens and international students from outside the USA who are currently undergraduates.
4. Is a minimum GPA required to be considered for the internship?
Yes, applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and a strong academic record.
5. What are the key documents required for the application?
The application requires the Application Form, a Research Proposal, an Unofficial Transcript, and 2 Letters of Recommendation.
6. Do I need to take an English proficiency test like IELTS?
No, the program explicitly states that No IELTS is required for the application.
7. What is the final application deadline for the 2026 program?
The application deadline for the CALTECH SURF Program is February 22, 2026.
8. What is the role of the research proposal in the application process?
The research proposal is crucial as students must collaborate with a potential mentor to define the project and then submit the proposal for Faculty Review to recommend awards.
9. Is there any application fee for the CALTECH SURF program?
No, there is no application fee to apply for the CALTECH University Summer Research Program.
10. When will applicants be notified of the award results?
Awards will be announced on April 1, and selected students will receive an email notification of the outcome.
