The Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026 is a competitive 11-week program in the USA designed to encourage undergraduate students worldwide to pursue advanced research careers. The paid fellowship offers a generous $6,500 stipend paid bi-weekly, up to $2,500 housing allowance, and a travel reimbursement of up to $1,000 for external and Purdue-Indy students. Eligible applicants must be enrolled undergraduates (rising juniors/seniors preferred), first-time participants, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0. The application deadline is January 15, 2026.
Purdue University SURF Program Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Purdue University (West Lafayette & Indianapolis Campuses) |
| Host Country | USA |
| Category | Undergraduate Fellowships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (US and International Students) |
| Target Group | Undergraduate students (rising juniors/seniors primarily) |
| Reward | $6,500 Stipend |
| Duration | 11 Weeks (Immersive Research) |
| Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
Purdue University SURF Program
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a prestigious 11-week immersive program offered by Purdue University in the United States. Its primary goal is to provide undergraduate students from Purdue, other U.S. institutions, and international universities with a unique, paid research experience to encourage their pursuit of advanced educational and career opportunities in research fields.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
Participants conduct research on either Purdue’s West Lafayette or Indianapolis campus, working under the guidance of dedicated faculty, graduate student, or postdoctoral mentors. Beyond the research component, the fellowship is complemented by a robust schedule of weekly professional development workshops and seminars focused on enhancing technical and communication skills. The program culminates in a formal Student Research Symposium where participants present their findings, followed by the submission of a detailed final report.
Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
The Purdue University SURF Program is a paid fellowship that offers substantial financial and professional development benefits to all participants, with specific allowances for external and international students.
Tier 1: Stipend and Core Financial Support
- Stipend: Recipients receive a generous stipend of $6,500 paid bi-weekly for their dedicated participation in the 11-week immersive research program.
- Housing Allowance: An allowance of $2,500 is provided. This allowance is guaranteed for all external and international students. Purdue-affiliated students must apply by the priority deadline to be considered.
- Travel Reimbursement: External and Purdue-Indy students are eligible for a travel reimbursement of up to $1,000. External students must apply by the priority deadline to be considered for this subsidy.
Tier 2: Mentorship and Professional Development
- Expert Mentorship: Gain access to seasoned faculty and graduate student mentors who offer valuable guidance, ensuring a supportive and enriching research experience.
- Professional Development Seminars: Attend specialized workshops and seminars designed to enhance professional skills, providing essential insights into academic and research careers.
- Enhanced Communication Skills: Develop and refine technical communication proficiency, a crucial skill for effectively conveying complex ideas, research findings, and insights in a professional context.
Tier 3: Networking and Showcase
- Symposium Presentation: Showcase research findings by presenting at the prestigious SURF Symposium, offering a platform to share work with peers, faculty, and professionals.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage in networking events, workshops, and seminars that connect participants with professionals, researchers, and peers, expanding professional networks and fostering collaboration.
- Social Engagement: Enjoy a vibrant social community by participating in activities designed for bonding with fellow participants, fostering camaraderie and a collaborative spirit.
Eligibility Requirements for Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
To be considered for the SURF program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Current Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Purdue, another U.S. institution, or an international institution.
- Program Participation Status: Must be a first-time participant in the Purdue SURF program, as students can engage in the program only once.
- Academic Progress: Must have completed at least one academic semester/quarter by the time of the SURF application.
- Post-Program Status: Must maintain undergraduate enrollment for at least one academic semester/quarter following the conclusion of the SURF program.
- Academic Level: Must be a rising junior or senior (Purdue-affiliated rising sophomores, including Purdue-Indy rising sophomores, are also eligible).
- GPA Requirement: Must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0 or equivalent at the time of application.
- Participation: Must demonstrate the ability to actively participate in the majority of program activities. Requests for alternate start dates (up to one week post-program commencement) can be accommodated with faculty permission.
How to Apply for Purdue University SURF Program (Step by Step)
The application process is centralized and requires candidates to demonstrate prior thought about potential research projects.
- Identify Research Interests: Review the SURF list of available research projects. Talking directly to Purdue professors about potential opportunities is highly encouraged.
- Complete Application Form: Complete the main online application form, selecting up to three projects of interest directly on the application.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload electronic copies of all required documents to the application system, including:
- Resume
- University Transcript: A PDF copy of the university transcript must be uploaded, including the applicant’s name, program of study, past courses with grades, and current course enrollments.
- Statement of Purpose
- Secure Letter of Recommendation: External (non-Purdue) students are required to request a letter of recommendation from a professor or professional they have worked closely with. The letter must be uploaded by the recommender by the application deadline.
- Submit and Await Notification: Ensure all materials, including the letter of recommendation (if required), are submitted by the deadline.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For more Information Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total stipend amount offered for the 11-week program?
The total stipend offered for the 11-week immersive research program is $6,500, which is paid to participants bi-weekly.
2. Is the SURF program open to international undergraduate students?
Yes, the Purdue University SURF program is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled at Purdue, other U.S. institutions, and international institutions.
3. What is the amount of the housing allowance, and who is eligible for it?
The housing allowance is $2,500. All external and international students automatically receive this allowance. Purdue students must apply by the priority deadline to be considered.
4. What is the minimum GPA required to be considered for the fellowship?
Applicants must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0 or equivalent at the time of application.
5. What are the two key requirements regarding previous and future enrollment?
Applicants must have completed at least one academic semester/quarter by the time of application and must maintain undergraduate enrollment for at least one academic semester/quarter following the conclusion of the SURF program.
6. What is the deadline for the Purdue University SURF Program application?
The application deadline for the Purdue University SURF Program is January 15, 2026.
7. Which students are required to provide a Letter of Recommendation?
External students (non-Purdue students) are required to request a Letter of Recommendation from a professor or professional.
8. Is there a travel reimbursement available, and what is the maximum amount?
Yes, external and Purdue-Indy students have access to a travel reimbursement of up to $1,000, with external students needing to apply by the priority deadline for consideration.
9. What are the preferred academic levels for applicants?
The program prefers rising juniors or seniors. However, Purdue-affiliated rising sophomores (including Purdue-Indy) are also eligible.
10. What is the final required activity that marks the culmination of the program?
The program culminates with a Student Research Symposium where participants present their findings and the submission of a final report.
