The Applications are now open for the Caltech University Summer Research Program 2026. It is a Fully Funded 10-week summer Internship for International students and US citizens. The Caltech Summer Program is a Crown Jewel of Caltech University. The Objective of this Summer Program is to Provide Participants with an opportunity to work on a Research Project under the guidance of experienced mentors at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). There is no application fee, and applicants from all over the world are eligible to apply. The Caltech University SURF Program has a high success rate, with over 85% of applicants receiving this opportunity. Fresh applicants are encouraged to apply. The Program will cover all the costs of the Participants. Below are more details on the requirements and the application process.
Details About Caltech University Summer Research Program 2026
- Host Country: USA
- Location: California Institute of Technology
- Duration: 10 Weeks
- Dates: Start in mid-June
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 22nd February 2026
Financial Benefits
The Program Covers:
Participants will receive $8,110 stipend to cover:
Study abroad loans
- Airfare Travel Expenses
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Visa Cost (if any)
- Other Personal Expenses
- Mentors have to bear the full cost of the award for International students.
Activities During the Program
- Weekly seminars by Caltech faculty and JPL scientists/engineers
- Academic and Professional Development Series
- Effective communication workshops
- Social and cultural activities
- Weekly small student-faculty dinners
What will you do as a Summer Research Fellow?
- Project Development: Students collaborate with a potential mentor to define and develop a research project.
- Proposal Submission: Applicants write research proposals outlining their project ideas.
- Faculty Review: Faculty members review the submitted proposals and recommend awards to qualified applicants.
- Summer Research: Awardees carry out their research projects over 10 weeks during the summer.
Areas of Research
Students interested in STEM fields, particularly science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Please refer to the Finding a Mentor page and Tips for Meeting with a Potential Mentor.
Study abroad loans
Eligibility Criteria
- The program is open to U.S. citizens and International students from outside the USA.
- Only Undergraduate students can apply.
- Applicants must have a strong academic record and a genuine interest in the specified area of research.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- High school students are not eligible.
- See additional Requirements for International students.
Required Documents
- Online Application
- Research Proposal
- Unofficial Transcript (if applicable)
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
School supplies
How to Apply for the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURF) 2026?
Applicants must apply online and upload all the required documents. The Link to the official website is below.
USE THIS LINK TO APPLY
