summer graduate research fellowship

Summer Research Fellowship

In partnership with the University of Maryland doctoral programs, the Graduate School is pleased to offer the  Summer Research Fellowship.  These fellowships support research activities that advance a doctoral student’s progress toward degree.  The fellowships carry a stipend of $5,000 with specific cost-share requirements, as detailed in the Guidelines. These fellowships are not intended for dissertation completion.

Eligibility:  Eligible candidates must be UMD doctoral students who are at "mid-career", and normally have plans to graduate  after  August 2026.

Nomination Process:  All Ph.D. programs are eligible to nominate candidates for the Summer Research Fellowship and the Summer Internship Fellowship. Please consult the nomination allocation schedule in the guidelines.  The nomination deadline is  noon on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.  

Summer Research Fellowship Guidelines  (Summer 2025)

Nomination cover sheet (pdf)  /  word, dgs questionnaire (pdf)   /  word, award recipients.

2024 Summer Research Fellows 2023 Summer Research Fellows 2022 Summer Research Fellows 2021 Summer Research Fellows 2020 Summer Research Fellows 2019 Summer Research Fellows 2018 Summer Research Fellows 2017 Summer Research Fellows 2016 Summer Research Fellows 2015 Summer Research Fellows 2014 Summer Research Fellows 2013 Summer Research Fellows 2012 Summer Research Fellows

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

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The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a fully funded, eight-week summer residential program that brings 30-35 talented and motivated undergraduate students from across the country and the world to Stanford Engineering for an immersive research and graduate school preparation experience.

SURF is designed to demystify the admissions process and give fellows a real feel for what it means to conduct research at the graduate level. The program provides students with housing, a meal plan, a travel stipend, and a $5,500 stipend upon completion of the program. In addition, SURF Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in a robust graduate school preparation program including coding experience, industry visits, excursions around the Bay Area, community-building activities, participation in a research symposium, and a strong mentorship component.

Our 2024 SURF Fellows have returned to their home universities. While at Stanford Engineering, they were engaged in research across all 9 engineering departments and contributed to groundbreaking research that tackles the major challenges of the 21st century.

The program aims to build community and create a cohort of future graduate student engineers who can promote diversity of thought and experience within the engineering and science student body. Student engagement in research increases 1) the retention of students in scientific research , 2) student interest in graduate school , and 3) student interest in STEM careers . Since its inception, SURF has been a vehicle for undergraduate students to conduct scientific research and a foundation for them to pursue graduate studies in engineering.

We are committed to advancing a culture of respect, accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment at for all students at Stanford Engineering. We make intentional efforts to outreach and connect with competitive students with demonstrated potential, including those who come from environments with limited access to Research I university programs.

2025 SURF Application Opens November 1, 2024

Application deadline is february 1, 2025 @ 11:59pm , surf program dates - june 21 - august 16 , surf virtual information sessions:.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 @ 2pm-3pm PST Tuesday, December 10, 2024 @ 10am-11am PST  Tuesday, January 14, 2025 @ 2pm-3pm PST

See information session slides here - 

Slides for the 2025 application will be available after the november information session. , surf application office hours.

Join virtually January 16, 23, 30, 2025 @ 10am-11am PT 

Application Information

Application dates - deadline february 1, 2025 @ 11:59pm pst.

• Apply November 1, 2024 - February 1, 2025 @ 11:59pm PST
• A complete application includes all letters of recommendation & finalized supporting documents submitted by Feb 1.
• Applications that do not include letters of recommendation & supporting documents and/or applications not submitted by Feb. 1 @ 11:59pm PST will not be considered. No exceptions will be made.
• First round denials are made by mid-February. 
• All other applicants will be notified of a decision for the program the first week of March. 

Program Eligibility - Applicants must

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States or its territories, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 
• Full-time community college students in their transfer year are eligible to apply. 
• U.S. domestic undocumented and DACAmented students are eligible to apply. Individuals seeking asylum & refugees are also eligible to apply. 
• If the applicant is an international student enrolled full-time in a college or university within the United States & in possession of a valid F-1 Visa, they must be first generation (first in their family to attend university in pursuit of a bachelor's degree) and/or from low socioeconomic status, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education . 
• We also accept applications from first-generation and/or low socioeconomic status international students who are enrolled full-time in public or private colleges or universities outside of the United States. Please note that only international applicants from first generation and/or low socioeconomic status are eligible to apply.   
• Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Note: Applications from students who describe exceptional circumstances in their statement of purpose and/or personal history statement, or who demonstrate a marked progression of improving grades on their transcript, may be considered.
• Demonstrate a committed interest in pursuing graduate study toward a  PhD in an engineering field . If you plan on pursuing an MD, JD, MBA, or other non-research-focused advanced degree, this is not the right program for you.
• Have completed at least two semesters/three quarters (or equivalent) and have at least one full semester/quarter remaining of their undergraduate education at the end of the summer program. Priority given to rising juniors (3rd years) and seniors (4th years). Master's students are not eligible. 
• Be fully available to live on Stanford's campus for the entirety of the program, June 21-August 16. Please note SURF Fellows may not be enrolled in summer courses, internships, or be employed while participating in the program. 

In efforts to attract applicants from a variety of life experiences, two application options are available:

• Eligible applicants may apply through the Leadership Alliance's Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) *
• Applicants may also apply through Stanford SURF SlideRoom application portal ** 

*Submitting an application through either portal is acceptable. All applications are reviewed thoroughly and holistically regardless of the application portal chosen. The applicant should not submit their application twice. If you are applying through SR-EIP, you will not be able to submit an optional personal history statement or rank your top 3 SURF labs. To submit your personal history statement and lab rankings, please email PDF attachments to [email protected] with the subject line: LastName-FirstName-Personal History Statement and Lab Rankings. 

**Undocumented students, DACAmented students, asylum seekers, refugees, and first generation and/or low income international applicants (both those studying at U.S. colleges and universities, as well as abroad) should submit their application through the Stanford SURF Portal . 

The SURF Admissions Committee conducts a holistic review of all applications and extends initial invitations to top applicants. 

The deadline for both applications (including all letters of recommendation and supporting documents) is February 1 at 11:59pm.   Applicants will be notified of a decision for the program in early March.  

Many questions about the program and application can be answered in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page .

Application Materials

As part of the application form, applicants must submit the following materials: 

• Resume or CV : 3 pages in length at maximum
• Academic Transcript : Unofficial transcript will suffice; official transcript not necessary.
• Statement of Purpose : The statement of purpose should be an essay crafted to convey your academic and career goals, with an emphasis on your current research interests. In this essay, you should clearly explain your interest for pursuing doctoral level (PhD) training. An interview is not a standard part of the SURF application process. Consider the statement of purpose your opportunity to introduce yourself to a review committee and the chance to answer any information you might share during an interview. Statements should be typed, single-spaced, and 1-2 pages in length. 
• Two Letters of Recommendation : We highly recommend letters from faculty & supervisors who can specifically discuss your academic potential and research preparation for the program.
• Optional Personal History Statement (Strongly Encouraged) : For the optional personal history statement, we invite you to share unique, personally important experiences, demonstrated values, perspectives, or activities that have led you to this point in your academic journey. Please discuss how these have influenced your path in school, inform your approach to engineering and research, and/or serve as motivation for pursuing your chosen field in engineering. 1000 words max. Note : If you are applying through Leadership Alliance SR-EIP and would like to submit an optional personal history statement, please email a PDF attachment to [email protected] with the subject line   LastName-FirstName-PersonalHistoryStatement. 

Application Resources - Exemplars

In an effort to support applicants in preparing competitive applications, we are providing a few exemplary application statements . These are not meant to be prescriptive, but rather to offer you examples of what successful statements have looked like in previous years; remember there are many ways to write successful statements. We encourage you to have your statements reviewed by trusted mentors, as well as your college or university's writing center tutors if those are available to you.

For Stanford Labs - Host a Scholar

Thank you for your interest in serving as a lab host for the SURF program. PIs should complete our Lab Host Interest Form to confirm your interest and availability. SUNet ID Authentication is required to access the form.

2025 SURF Lab Host Interest Form

2025 SURF Lab Host Guide and FAQ

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or connect with us at  [email protected]

Scholar Spotlights

Learn from our past scholars about SURF!

• Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
• Programs of Study

Are you a current undergraduate student considering pursuing a PhD? Each summer, the Yale Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program brings a group of undergraduates to Yale for eight weeks to explore what a PhD could offer them. As a SURF program participant, you will:

• learn about the kind of work you can expect to do in graduate school
• gain insight into building a career based on PhD-level training
• become more confident in your academic abilities and potential

During the program, you will be immersed in an academic, professional setting with a faculty mentor, a post-doctoral associate, and/or an advanced graduate student. The program focuses on research: you will pursue individual research projects and participate in workshops and panel discussions.

• If you are interested in the natural sciences, you will learn advanced laboratory methods and conduct research in state-of-the-art facilities. 
• If you are interested in the humanities or social sciences, you will work closely with mentors and use the extraordinary resources found in Yale's libraries.

You will learn to present your research effectively to colleagues, develop a proposal, give a final presentation to your peers, submit a written final paper, and present at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium.

Program Details and Application

The SURF Program is intended for students with a strong desire to pursue research careers at the PhD level. Preference is given to students completing their sophomore or junior years. Applicants must exhibit outstanding academic promise and achievement. We especially encourage applications from students who come from an economically disadvantaged background, are a first-generation college graduate, or have otherwise faced significant obstacles in their pursuit of higher education.

Free housing in a Yale dormitory is provided to SURF participants, along with a $1,000 allowance for food. Air or train transportation to and from the program is covered up to $400 (not including excess luggage charges). All travel arrangements are made through the SURF Program Office. Program participants receive a $4,000 stipend.

The SURF program runs over eight weeks in June and July.

Please apply through the Leadership Alliance Summer Research-Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) website . Note: if you are interested in the NSF “REU Site: Research training in biomedical science and engineering” (click here for more info about the program) you still need to apply through the Leadership Alliance Application portal .

The application opens on November 1 and closes on February 1.

Admissions Notifications: If you are selected to participate, you will be notified by email no later than April 1. Please do not contact the office to inquire about your application status.

Student Testimonial

Omkar A. Katta, Yale SURF Participant, Summer 2019

“It has been a couple of days since I’ve returned home, and I am already missing my time at Yale University. Thank you all for an incredible summer. The friends I have made, the experiences I have had, and the moments we have shared will be near and dear to my heart. You are a huge part of why this summer has been one of the greatest summers in my life. From writing proposals and manuscripts to giving presentations, I have learned the skills necessary to conduct quality research, and I will carry these skills with me for the rest of my research career. Perhaps more uniquely to this program, you created an environment that mirrored the real world experience of conducting research. From exchanging business cards to networking with strangers, I learned what it means to be a polite and productive citizen of academia. I know that in future iterations of the program, you will continue to deliver the same experience to aspiring researchers like me. Thank you for what you have done.”

Michelle Nearon

Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Student Development and Diversity

• [email protected]
• 203-436-1301
• Warner House Room 206

• Summer Research Programs

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Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard (SROH)

Harvard Griffin GSAS administers the Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard (SROH) program, but you may be interested in other programs at Harvard's many schools and affiliated hospitals.

Other Summer Programs

Harvard programs, harvard-amgen scholars program.

Harvard-Amgen Scholars will conduct novel biotechnology-focused research with Harvard scientists over the course of a 10-week summer internship. Interns will have the opportunity to interact closely with faculty through scholarly and pre-professional development activities including a Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series and Biotechnology Journal Club. They will also gain critical exposure to tools for effective science communication, proposal writing, and graduate school preparation, and will have opportunities to explore the Boston area through a variety of social activities and outings. Currently, enrolled undergraduates interested in pursuing a bioscience PhD or the MD/PhD are eligible to apply, especially those from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds. US citizenship or permanent residency is required. Housing on Harvard’s Cambridge campus, travel, meal allowance, and a stipend are provided. 

Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) Internship Program (HIP)

The Harvard Stem Cell Institute Internship Program (HIP) provides an opportunity for Harvard and non-Harvard undergraduates to gain direct experience in stem cell research while working in a Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) laboratory under the supervision of an experienced researcher. Interns participate in a mandatory stem cell seminar series and a career pathways presentation and present their summer research findings at the HIP Symposium in August. Candidates must express a strong interest in stem cell biology; previous lab experience is desirable but not required. Approximately 35 students are selected by competitive review for this 10-week internship. A stipend is provided.

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is a 10-week program that introduces undergraduates to bioengineering, materials research, nanoscience, environmental and earth science, and engineering while providing a coordinated, educational, and dynamic research community that inspires them to seek a graduate degree. REU research opportunities are arranged in conjunction with the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), the Center for Nanoscale Systems (CNS), the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering , as well as other Harvard-based engineering and science entities. Professional development workshops, faculty seminars on research and ethics, and community activities are integrated into the program. Students receive a stipend and housing. Students must be U.S citizens and permanent residents who will not be graduating before December of the program year. 

Center for Astrophysics Solar Research Experience for Undergraduates Program

Scientists from the Solar and Stellar X-Ray Group (SSXG) and the Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Group (SSP) at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics host undergraduate students from around the US. For 10 weeks, these students will participate in cutting-edge astronomical research about the sun and the heliosphere and learn the skills necessary for a successful scientific career. Projects range from data analysis to computer modeling to instrument building. Special seminars will be held to increase students' public speaking and computer programming skills. Students will learn from experience about scientific research and how to apply their academic work to real-world problems. Some time will also be devoted to exploring Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the surrounding area. US citizenship or permanent residency is required.  Stipend, housing, and travel are provided. Please visit the SAO/NSF Solar REU Program website for more information.

Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology

The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology is an 11-week research program that allows students to participate in ongoing research at the Harvard Forest in Petersham, Massachusetts. Projects focus on the effects of natural and human disturbances on forest ecosystems including global warming, hurricanes, forest harvesting, and invasive organisms. Researchers come from many disciplines, and specific studies center on population and community ecology, paleoecology, land-use history, phenology, biogeochemistry, soil science, ecophysiology, and atmosphere-biosphere exchanges. Students work with mentors from Harvard and collaborating institutions. Responsibilities may include field sampling, laboratory studies, data analysis, and scientific writing. In addition, students attend seminars given by nationally known scientists and workshops on career and graduate school preparation. At the end of the summer, students present their research results by writing an abstract and presenting their findings at a student research symposium. The program provides room, board, and a competitive stipend.

Program for Research in Markets & Organizations

The Program for Research in Markets & Organizations (PRIMO) provides an opportunity for Harvard and non-Harvard undergraduates (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled full-time at a US institution) to work closely with Harvard Business School faculty, gaining exposure to business research on a variety of cutting-edge ideas. The primary goal of the program is to build and foster a strong community of scholars committed to excellence in research as part of the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village. Students must commit to the 10-week program and are provided with Harvard campus housing, meals, and a research stipend.

Du Bois Scholars Program

The  Du Bois Scholars Program is a fully funded, nine-week summer research internship at Harvard College for scholars from select R2 and research-focused historically Black colleges and universities. Prospective Du Bois Scholars will apply to the program by selecting the project and faculty mentor they desire to work with during the summer. Scholars will receive dedicated hands-on mentorship and gain access to a rigorous research and learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and personal development. The program will conclude with a final presentation of their research to fellow scholars, faculty mentors and teams. Scholars will live in the Harvard residential community and participate in programming with scholars from the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV), creating relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Programs at Harvard Medical School 

Summer honors undergraduate research program at harvard medical school.

Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP) is a 10-week summer research program primarily for college students belonging to groups that are underrepresented in the sciences. In addition to laboratory-based research with Harvard Medical School faculty, the program includes research and career development seminars and a peer-mentoring program. A stipend, housing, and travel are provided. Administered by the Division of Medical Sciences PhD programs office at Harvard Medical School every year since 1991, SHURP is offered for currently enrolled undergraduates who are considering careers in biological or biomedical research sciences, who have already had at least one summer (or equivalent term-time) of experience in a research laboratory, and who have taken at least one upper-level biology course that includes molecular biology. US citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Harvard/MIT Equitable Access to Research Training (HEART) MD-PhD Summer Program

Harvard/MIT Equitable Access to Research Training (HEART) MD-PhD Summer Program (HEART) is a new track in the SHURP program for undergraduate students interested in pursuing MD-PhD training. In addition to the benefits of being a SHURP student, HEART students also shadow clinicians at Harvard teaching hospitals, gain hands-on experience in clinical simulations and skills workshops, and have a career and professional development series tailored toward the MD-PhD. HEART applicants must submit their primary applications via the Leadership Alliance SR-EIP before February 1. Applicants must also complete the HEART Supplementary Application by February 1, so we highly recommend submitting the SR-EIP application by mid-January. US citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Systems Biology Summer Internship Program

The  Systems Biology Summer Internship Program  is a paid internship that enables undergraduates from domestic institutions to work on research projects spanning many scientific fields, including systems biology, biophysics, bioinformatics, genomics, applied mathematics, and computational biology. Participants learn a range of cutting-edge techniques in the exciting and dynamic research environments in Quantitative and Systems labs across Harvard. Participants must be US citizens or permanent residents, at least 18 years old, and enrolled in a credited US institution or university. Our applications open in late November and decisions are made by the middle of February. The program provides a stipend, housing, and travel costs, as well as professional development opportunities and a suite of cohort activities that build community and provide students with mentoring during and beyond the summer program.

Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Summer Scholars Program

The Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (BCMP) Summer Scholars Program is a 10-week program designed to provide hands-on laboratory research experience to motivated undergraduates with a strong interest in pursuing graduate studies focused on molecular mechanisms in biology. The program offers students the opportunity to gain experience in hands-on laboratory research; to interact with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other summer interns; to attend weekly presentations by department members on specific research projects and cutting-edge research tools; and to improve their presentation, writing, and communication skills. Participating laboratories cover a broad range of basic and disease-oriented research topics using the analytical tools of biochemistry, molecular genetics, biophysics, chemical biology, and structural biology. A stipend is provided, but students are responsible for travel, housing, and meal accommodations.

Summer Undergraduate Program in Immunology at Harvard Medical School

The 10-week Summer Undergraduate Program in Immunology exposes undergraduate students to current topics in immunology. Students participate in a combination of weekly lectures and laboratory work with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows from the Harvard Medical School Immunology Graduate Program. Participants from colleges in which the topic is not taught or presented in depth are especially welcome, and individuals from underrepresented minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students who are in their sophomore or junior year. A stipend and housing are provided, but the program is unable to assist with travel arrangements, or visas for students.

Summer Institute in Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School

Summer Institute in Biomedical Informatics is a nine-week (June-August) full-time extensive research opportunity with a curriculum including didactic lectures and clinical case studies. Students are carefully matched with faculty mentors from DBMI for a research project and presentation of findings. The program is for undergraduates with majors such as computer science, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, mathematics, and other quantitative interests and skills who aspire to contribute to translational advances in biomedicine with a future PhD or research-oriented MD or MD/PhD. The majority of SIBMI students go on to pursue their PhD, MD or MD/PhD. A stipend, housing, and a travel allowance are provided. If you are an undergraduate with a strong quantitative background and interested in innovation and methodological rigor in your approach to scientific inquiry in biomedicine or in the translation of computational methods to engineering/software applications in medicine, this is the summer program for you! Please note the program is for US Citizens and US Permanent Residents (Green card holders).

The Four Directions Summer Research Program

The Four Directions Summer Research Program (FDSRP) provides an opportunity for talented Native American undergraduates to explore careers in the medical profession under the guidance and supervision of staff from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. The FDSRP is an eight-week summer research opportunity offered to undergraduate and first-year medical students with a commitment to the health of Native American communities. Interns engage in basic science or translational research projects under the supervision of Harvard Medical School faculty advisors. Students also receive career development training, meet faculty from across the hospital and medical school, and participate in a variety of social networking events. US citizenship or permanent residency is required. Stipend, housing, and travel are provided.

Newborn Medicine Summer Student Research Program

The Newborn Medicine Summer Student Research Program is sponsored by the Harvard Program in Neonatology for students interested in clinical aspects and research in newborn medicine. During the 8-week program, students are guided by faculty and fellow mentors from the program with the goal of providing undergraduate and medical school students with intensive clinical and laboratory research. As part of the program, the students will have the opportunity to observe newborn care in hospital nurseries, clinics, and neonatal intensive care units. Partial funding is available for students participating in the program.

Harvard Summer Research Program in Kidney Medicine

The Harvard Summer Research Program in Kidney Medicine (HSRPKM) is built around providing students with an intensive, mentored research experience. Each student’s project is mentored by a Harvard Medical School faculty member whose work focuses on kidney disease. In addition to their daily research, students participate in a weekly core curriculum to introduce them to the breadth of kidney medicine. This includes 1) an introduction to the principles of renal physiology; 2) a renal gross pathology session with autopsy specimens; 3) training for and performing a community screening for kidney disease; 4) a visit to an outpatient dialysis center to appreciate the impact of kidney disease and experience this current treatment approach for patients with kidney failure; 5) an opportunity to observe the clinical work of a nephrologist or urologist; and 6) additional sessions on patient perspectives and the contributions of research in the biotech/pharma industry. Students present their work locally and at a national symposium. A year-round program of mentorship, career development sessions, and networking helps sustain alumni interest in nephrology and urology. The program provides housing, a stipend and transportation back to the trainee’s home or educational institution at the end of the program. Most of the trainees go on to MD, MD-PhD, or PhD degrees in the medical/biological sciences.

Programs at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health

Summer program in biological sciences in public health.

The Summer Program in Biological Sciences in Public Health at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health is an eight-week laboratory-based biological research program for undergraduates belonging to underrepresented groups during the summer following their sophomore or junior years. The program exposes college students to the rewards of laboratory research directed toward solving important public health problems such as infections (malaria, TB, parasites), cancer, lung diseases, multifactorial, multigenic, and common diseases of aging, diabetes, and obesity. Scientific approaches include regulation of cell growth and gene regulation, cellular metabolism, DNA modification, cellular signaling, and structure-function analyses. The overall mission of the program is to prepare qualified students for graduate-level training leading to research careers in the biological sciences.

Summer Program in Epidemiology

The Summer Program in Epidemiology at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health is an intensive five-week program that integrates mathematics and quantitative methods to provide students with an understanding of the skills and processes necessary to pursue a career in public health. The program recruits undergraduates belonging to underrepresented groups for graduate-level training. Areas of study include cancer prevention, infectious disease, environmental and occupational health, nutrition, and more. Students will participate in an introductory course in epidemiology and biostatistics, faculty lectures, a research project led by faculty or post-doctoral fellow, and networking opportunities. Travel, lodging, a stipend, and frequent meals are provided.

Multidisciplinary International Research Training (MIRT) Program

Multidisciplinary International Research Training (MIRT) is a national program designed to encourage students to pursue careers in biomedical and behavioral research providing support for undergraduate and graduate students to do health-related population-based research and training in developing countries including Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Thailand, Republic of Georgia, Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, and Australia. Trainees obtain knowledge of scientific literature associated with projects, biomedical research ethics, and cultural aspects with a focus on how these aspects affect public health issues as well as scientific and medical issues. Research opportunities are designed collaboratively with faculty in these institutions to address health and health disparities pertinent to their countries.

Summer Program in Biostatistics & Computational Biology at the Harvard School of Public Health

The Summer Program in Biostatistics & Computational Biology is an intensive six-week introduction to biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health research. Based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this program is designed to introduce qualified undergraduates and post-baccalaureates to the use of quantitative methods for biological, environmental, and medical research, and to demonstrate the application of quantitative methods to the study of human health. US citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Fostering Advancement & Careers through Enrichment Training in Science (FACETS)

Fostering Advancement & Careers through Enrichment Training in Science (FACETS) is a six-week interdisciplinary, research-intensive summer program hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. FACETS offers a cadre of coursework, professional development, and networking opportunities to increase participants’ competitiveness for graduate school admission. Underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply! FACETS program participants are paired with a research mentor and graduate student mentor to help them navigate research topics in the field of public health. Specifically, participants engage in coursework focusing on social and behavioral sciences, global health and population, environmental science, career navigation, and statistics. A key component of our program is networking – participants form a group of mentors ranging from peers to faculty across the entire school who provide guidance, support, and connections. Students receive opportunities to interact with world-class faculty from across the school during evening lectures.

Programs at Harvard’s Affiliated Hospitals

Summer research trainee program at massachusetts general hospital .

The goal of the eight-week Summer Research Trainee Program (SRTP) is to provide underrepresented minority students with an overview of opportunities available in biomedical research and clinical medicine. Students are assigned to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) laboratories or clinical sites where they undertake original research projects and prepare presentations of their work under the mentorship of an MGH investigator. In addition to this research experience, students will attend weekly seminars, career development workshops, and networking events. The program is open to underrepresented minority students who have completed at least three years of college or who are first-year medical students; no prior research experience is necessary. US citizenship or permanent residency is required. Housing, meals, and a stipend are provided.

Summer Training in Academic Research and Scholarship Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

The STARS Program provides underrepresented minority (URM) undergraduate and first-year medical students with a strong interest in pursuing advanced careers as research scientists, physicians, and/or healthcare professionals with an opportunity to engage in basic, clinical, and translational research projects during an eight-week summer program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS). Interns participate in a research project under the supervision of an HMS faculty mentor. Additional activities include "Research 101" education and training sessions, social networking opportunities, weekly roundtables with BWH Faculty and the Office for Multicultural Faculty Careers, and community health center/clinic shadowing. US citizenship or permanent residency is required. Housing, travel, and a stipend are provided.

Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center

The Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) program introduces Massachusetts high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented minority populations to cancer research. Each year, CURE selects several students to participate in full-time 8–12-week summer internships. Interns are assigned individual mentors, who oversee their research and offer guidance. In addition to working on a research project, participants benefit from various program activities, such as a comprehensive orientation, scientific research, and professional development seminars, journal club discussions, networking, and social events. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a biomedical or health-related research career. Students receive a weekly stipend.

Brigham Research Institute Undergraduate Research Summer Internship Program 

The Brigham Research Institute’s Summer Undergraduate Research Internship Program provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduates across the United States to gain a focused, challenging, and hands-on research experience in a basic science or clinical laboratory setting. Interns can choose from a wide variety of host labs doing exciting work in areas related to cardiovascular, immunology, musculoskeletal, neurobiology, and sex differences research. During the 10-week internship program, students can take advantage of educational and professional development offerings on the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School campuses as well as participate in a central curriculum associated with the program. Students will present their research findings in a mini-research symposium at the end of their training period.

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Summer Research Fellowships

Eligibility, award amount, selection criteria, how to apply, application guidelines.

Summer Research Fellowships provide summer support to doctoral students so they may focus exclusively on their dissertation research. Each named fellowship is made possible through a generous gift to The Graduate School and is intended to enable students to complete their degree more quickly by supporting students who normally do not have funding during the summer.

• 2024 Summer Research Fellowship winners
• 2023 Summer Research Fellowship winners
• 2022 Summer Research Fellowship winners
• 2021 Summer Research Fellowship winners

Submit Application »

You are eligible if:

• You are a fully-enrolled, degree-seeking doctoral student in a residential program administered by The Graduate School.
• You are enrolled full-time for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 (for Summer 2024 fellowship)
• You have no other funding for the summer (including TA or RA)
• You will not be taking summer courses

If you are awarded this fellowship, you may be asked to present the products of your summer work to The Graduate School, and your faculty mentor must be willing to provide a written evaluation of your work to The Graduate School at the conclusion of your fellowship.

Students who have previously received a Summer Research Fellowship are not eligible to apply again.

In order for you to be able to devote yourself exclusively to your summer research, you may not enroll in any courses during the summer.

The award is a one-time $7,000 stipend at the beginning of the summer.

Depending on funding, this award may change from year to year.

Your application will be reviewed according to the following criteria:

• You have a strong graduate academic record.
• Your application materials are understandable to a general audience outside of your field.
• Your research design is clearly outlined and appropriate.
• Your research plan is feasible for the timeline proposed.
• Your advisor will provide an appropriate level of mentorship during the fellowship period.

View an in-depth description of the review and selection process.

Each department may nominate up to TWO students per year for the Summer Research Fellowship.

Deadlines are posted on the funding deadlines calendar.

View Frequently Asked Questions about the online application .

• Please check with your department for their internal deadline. You must complete your application early enough for your department to nominate you to The Graduate School by the deadline .
• Prepare your application materials: research narrative and curriculum vitae
• Arrange for a letter of recommendation . Be sure to follow the application guidelines
• Before submitting your application, we suggest you get feedback on your narrative from a person outside of your field.
• Submit your materials on the Graduate School Award Online Application .
• Once you submit your application, your recommender will receive an email asking him/her to submit a letter via the online system.
• At the same time, the fellowship and award approver for your department will receive an email notifying them that you submitted your application.
• Once your letter of recommendation has been submitted, your department may nominate you for the fellowship. If your department selects your application, they must nominate it to The Graduate School by the deadline .
• We will notify awardees in mid-April.

We will not consider your application if you exceed any of the page limits or if you do not follow the proper format.

A complete application includes:

• Online Application

Research Narrative

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Recommendation

Address your research description to an audience of intelligent reviewers who may not be familiar with your field. Clearly explain the importance of your research to a lay audience. Do not use jargon or technical, field-specific terminology.

Format: No more than 3 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, numbered pages, and your name on each page

• Describe your plan for utilizing this summer research fellowship.
• Describe your research goals, methodology, resources you will use, and specific plans for your summer work. You must include information on advance planning required to conduct your research in other locations, such as approvals from archives/libraries, or foreign countries, international universities/colleges, or other such permissions required to conduct your research or collect your data in that location.
• Describe what you hope to accomplish by the end of your summer fellowship.

Curriculum Vitae:

Format: No more than 2 pages, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, numbered pages, and your name on each page.

• Include recent professional activities, awards, honors, and courses you have taught.

Letter of Recommendation:

You must have a letter of recommendation from the faculty mentor who will provide you guidance in your research.

Indicate your recommender’s email address in your application.

Once you submit your application, your recommender will receive an email asking them to submit a letter of recommendation.

Instructions for recommenders: The letter of recommendation should be no more than 4,000 characters (spaces included), which is approximately 600 words or one single-spaced page.

Address the letter of recommendation “To the Fellowship Committee.” Include:

• How the faculty mentor will provide guidance to the student in preparing his/her plan for summer research
• What products the student will produce by the end of the summer
• How the student’s work will be evaluated
• A description of other funding received or pending (if applicable)
• The faculty mentor’s willingness to provide a written evaluation of the student’s summer research to The Graduate School no later than September 15, 2024 .

We can only accept letters of recommendation through the online system. Recommenders cannot submit letters directly to The Graduate School or to the student’s department.

Graduate School Fellowships Office [email protected]

Summer research

University research programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The research opportunities below are listed to give students an idea of the opportunities available globally. Students apply directly to the host institution and are responsible for the costs and meeting their deadlines, however some of the opportunities come with scholarships and stipends attached. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for a Global Experience Bursary  to support their activities. If student cannot find the right placement from what is listed, they are are encouraged to investigate other countries, institutions and organisations to discover more programmes (and can still apply for a Global Experience Bursary ).

Details for the 2025 opportunities are to be confirmed, so will be updated as soon as Study Abroad receives information from partners. Please continue to look at the host institution's webpages for the most up-to-date information and to get idea of opportunities offered in the past that could be offered in the future too.

The Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP) provides an opportunity for undergraduate students from overseas universities to undertake research attachments for eight weeks at CUHK during the summer. Students will conduct research under the supervision of a CUHK faculty member from various academic disciplines, including Arts, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and Social Science. Early applications are strongly encouraged to secure places in preferred projects.

Dates: 23 June - 17 August 2024

Tuition Fees: HKD8,151

Application Deadlines:  29 February 2024

For more information, please visit the CUHK SURP website .

SJTU offers research projects for undergraduate students across different fields that can include mechanical engineering, electronic information and electronic engineering, agriculture and pharmacy. The internships are usually six weeks and students will also have chance to collaborate on the paper-writing process and serve as a co-author on a publication. Please see the eligiblity criteria for strict requirements.

Dates:  1 July - 21 August 2024

Tuition Fees:  8400RMB

Application Deadline:  30 April 2024

For more information visit the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Summer Research Internship Program website.

RISE Germany offers undergraduate students from North American, British and Irish universities the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions. RISE Germany is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.Students are matched with a host university or institute according to their area of interest (biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, engineering, or a closely related field). Host universities and institutes provide housing assistance and match students with Ph.D. student mentors. German language is not required and the working language will be in English. 

Dates:  15 May - 15 July 2025

Programme Fees:  a monthly scholarship of 992 Euros . DAAD provides health insurance, accident and personal liability insurance. All interns are invited to the three-day RISE Germany meeting in Heidelberg at the beginning of July and will receive an allowance of 160 Euros for travel to the meeting.The scholarship also covers international travel costs with an international travel subsidy.

Application Deadline: 30 November 2024

For more information visit the DAAD website.

Postgraduate-taught and non-first year students have the opportunity to undertake a period of on-site/virtual research through a diverse range of projects with PUC Chile. Students are invited to pursue their research, while also experiencing Chilean culture through interactions with staff and students.

Dates: A period of 4 - 12 weeks between April - May, agreed by student and proposed supervisor

Tuition Fees:   Free

Application Deadlines:  3 December 2024

For more information visit the PUC Global Research Program website .

Undergraduate students from all over the world have the unique opportunity to conduct a research project in conjunction with a USFQ faculty member in various fields of study. This program is called The Latitude Zero: Ecuador Research Initiative (LOERI). Research themes available include Venezuelan Migration in Ecuador, Human Genetics, Psychological Wellbeing During Covid-19 in an Ecuadorian Population and Invasive Species and Drones in Galápagos.

Dates:  Varies depending on students' arrangements with their supervisors (Summer is May - August, Fall is September - December, Winter is January - April)

Tuition Fees: USD600

Application Deadline: Varies depending on students' arrangements with their supervisors

For more information visit the USFQ Research Opportunities website.

The University of Tokyo Summer Internship Program in Kashiwa (UTSIP Kashiwa) provides hands-on research internship opportunities in the fields of natural sciences and social sciences. Alongside the period of research, lectures are also offered from world-leading researchers at the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences. All participants will be assigned to a laboratory in their desired area of interest and will conduct a research project under the guidance of a faculty member or senior graduate students. Participants will also experience Japanese culture and world-leading Japanese technology through weekend events and a field trip.

Dates:  Program A: 29 May - 14 July 2024

Program B: 19 June - 4 August 2024

Tuition Fee:  JPY 50,000

Application Deadline: 17:00, 15 January 2024 (Tokyo time)

For more information visit the UTSIP Kashiwa webpage.

UBC welcomes international students at undergraduate or postgraduate level to conduct full-time research for a defined period of time, under the supervision of a UBC faculty member. Since 2014, UBC has welcomed over 2500 VIRS students from over 650 universities and 85 different countries. The VIRS program is managed by Go Global under the Office of the Vice Provost, International. Please note that it is the responsibility of the individual applicant to identify, contact, and obtain approval from a UBC faculty member who will be their VIRS supervisor.

Dates: Varies depending on students' arrangements with their supervisors

Programme Fee: CAD415

Application Deadline: Submit the completed VIRS application at least 12 weeks before the planned start date for the research

For more information visit the UBC VIRS website.

The ETH Robotics Student Fellowship (ETH RSF) program offers graduate students the opportunity to research alongside experts on the specific topic of robotics of their choice. This fellowship takes place mainly during summer (July - August).

Dates: 30 June - 29 August 2025

Programme Fee: FREE - housing, travel, visa and living expenses covered by a scholarship

Application Deadline:  13 January - 25 February 2025

For more information visit the  ETH SSRF website.

The Student Summer Research Fellowship (ETH SSRF) programme offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain their first research experience in an area of their choice. The fellowship provided by the Computer Science Department of ETH takes place during two summer months.

Dates: 1 July - 31 August 2025

Programme Fee: FREE -  Housing, travel, visa and living expenses covered by a scholarship

Application Deadline:  16 December 2025 (13:00 CET)

For more information visit the ETH SSRF website .

UCL has been invited by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to nominate up to 10 outstanding Master's students to apply for a research scholarship place on their 10-week summer intensive research training in Hong Kong.

Eligibility - Current UCL Masters students holding an undergraduate degree with first class honours (equivalent to a UK 1st/Hong Kong CGPA of at least 3.7-4.0/A). - Students with an undergraduate classification of a high UK 2:1/Hong Kong CGPA 3.6, may still be considered, but priority will go to students with a 1st.  - Research can be in any of the areas supported by HKU's faculties:  https://gradsch.hku.hk/prospective_students/research_areas.

Dates:  3 June – 5 August 2024

Benefits and Financial support - One-to-one mentorship on a research project with an eminent professor at HKU. - Networking and extra-curricular activities for elite students worldwide.  - A scholarship of HK$10,000 will be awarded to each participant  after  successful completion (subject to HKU budgets). - Financial support of airfare up to HK$5,000, and university accommodation up to HK$5,000 will be provided on a reimbursement basis  after  successfully completion (subject to HKU budgets). - A small number of exceptional participants may be awarded a conditional offer of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship to pursue a full-time PhD at HKU upon completion of their current studies. The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship is HKU's most prestigious entrance scholarship, which includes an award of up to HK$427,100 in the first year alone.

Full Programme Details: https://gradsch.hku.hk/news_and_events/news_and_future_events/summer-research-programme-2024

Students must apply for a nomination place though UCL first, then if successful they will be invited by HKU to apply. Applications have closed for 2024.

A £15,000 studentship is available for UCL two-year Masters or MPhil/PhD candidates that are conducting their research in any aspect of Japanese studies but particularly politics, economics, and international relations, arts and science.

There is a range of specific criteria that applicants must meet, so for full details and instructions on how to apply students should visit UCL's Sasakawa Studentship webpage .

Dates and Programme Fee:  UCL can nominate up to three students for these studentships, which are worth £15,000 and are for one year's duration

Application Deadline:  19 March 2024

For more information visit the  UCL's Sasakawa Studentship webpage .

This research opportunity at NTU is open to bachelor's or master's degree students with a 2:1 average, graduating in 2025 or 2026. Students from any discipine are welcome to apply, however STEM students are prioritised. Research areas include AI, Smart Manufacturing, Digital Economy, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, Sustainability, 3D Printing, Health Sciences, Fintech, and more. In addition to reserach, students will engage in master classes and networking for their professional development, showcase their reserach at the GCF symposium and participate in social activities with participants from other parts of the world.

Dates: 3 February - 2 May 2025 (College of Science, students graduating in 2025 or 2026) OR 3 February - 31 March (All other schools, students graduating before July 2025) 

Summer Intake - 19 May-19 July 2025 (application deadline still TBC for this intake)

Programme Fee:   FREE , SGD5,000 (2 month) /SGD6,500 (3 month) stipend and complimentary housing at NTU's Yunan Garden campus.

Application Deadline:  30 September 2024. Students apply directly to NTU.

For more information visit the NTU GCF information page .

Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) drives mission-oriented research that advances scientific discovery and technological innovation. Theirs Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) gives students from overseas opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers at  A*STAR’s Research Entities . Students pursuing their Bachelor’s (3rd or 4th year only) or Master’s degree in Computing and Information Science, Biomedical Science, Physical Science or Engineering and Technology are welcome to apply.

Dates:  Between May - August 2025, as determined between students and supervisors. UCL recommends two month research placements in the summer, however students can choose any dates in this period, as long as it does not interfere with thier term-time studies.

Programme Fee:   Free , SGD2,000 monthly stipend 

Application Deadline:  30 November 2024. Students apply directly to A*STAR.

For more information visit the A*STAR SIPGA information page .

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