Deadline:
February 22, 2026
Program Starts: June 16, 2026
Program Ends: August 21, 2026
Location(s)
United States of America
1200 East California Boulevard Pasadena, California 91125
Overview
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program is one of the "crown jewels" of Caltech. Since 1979, SURF students have had the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of experienced mentors working at the frontier of their fields.
Details
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program is one of the “crown jewels” of Caltech. Since 1979, SURF students have had the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of experienced mentors working at the frontier of their fields.
Students experience the process of research as a creative intellectual activity from beginning (defining and developing a project) to end (presenting their results at SURF Seminar Day).
SURF is modeled on the grant-seeking process:
- Students collaborate with a potential mentor to define and develop a project
- Applicants write research proposals as part of the application process
- Faculty review the proposals and recommend awards
- Students carry out the work over a 10-week period during the summer
- At the conclusion of the program, students submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation at one of several SURF Seminar Days, symposia modeled on a professional technical meeting.
SURF Fellows will be expected to:
- Devote full effort to conducting the SURF project for the full ten-week period. Participants cannot take courses or hold another job.
- Conduct research in person. Remote projects are not allowed.
- Submit two interim reports, an abstract, and final technical paper approved by the mentor.
- Give a final oral presentation.
- Abide by Caltech's Honor Code and other campus policies.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligibility Requirements for Caltech Students
To be eligible for SURF you must:
- Be a continuing undergraduate student
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- Complete the third term at Caltech, or at another school under a program approved by a Dean
- Be eligible for fall term registration before beginning your SURF project and no later than July 1
- Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanctions
Eligibility Requirements for Visiting (Non-Caltech) Students
To be eligible for SURF, you must:
- Be a continuing undergraduate student and eligible for fall term registration*
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0
- Complete the second semester or third quarter at your college or university**
- Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanctions.
Additional Requirements for Visiting (non-Caltech) International Students
International students are eligible to participate in SURF on the Caltech campus; however, only U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents are eligible for SURFs at JPL. If a SURF award is made, international students will be given instructions on how to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa abroad prior to participation in SURF. International students currently attending a college or university in the U.S. must secure special off-campus employment authorization prior to participation in SURF. F-1 students must apply for either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT); J-1 students must apply for Academic Training. Please consult an International Student Advisor at your current U.S. institution as soon as you apply for SURF to understand your school's requirements and deadlines for authorizing off-campus work authorization. CPT, OPT, or Academic Training must be approved by your home institution prior to beginning your SURF placement. OPT approval may take in excess of three months!
Dates
Deadline: February 22, 2026
Program starts:
June 16, 2026
Program ends:
August 21, 2026
Program Starts: June 16, 2026
Program Ends: August 21, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
In 2026, Fellows will receive an $8,110 award for the ten-week period.
To enrich the research experience, SURF Fellows are invited to attend the following:
- Weekly seminars by Caltech faculty & JPL scientists and engineers
- An academic and professional development series on developing a research career, graduate school admissions, and other topics of interest to future researchers
- Effective communication workshops
- Social and cultural activities
- Student-faculty dinners, and more!
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
