Stanford University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program

The Stanford University Summer Internship 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.

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 science and engineering.

While the 2026 SURF Fellows have returned to their home universities, they were engaged in research across science and engineering departments and contributed to groundbreaking research that tackles the major challenges of the 21st century.

To be considered for the Stanford University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, you must meet the criteria below:

• 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. 

• 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). 

• Stanford also accepts 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.  

• Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better. 

• 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 13, 2027.

The Stanford University SURF Internship provides students with;

• housing,

• a meal plan,

• a travel stipend, and

• a $5,500 stipend upon completion of the program.

Additionally, Student engagement in research increases

• the retention of students in scientific research,

• student interest in graduate school, and

• student interest in STEM careers.

To apply for the Stanford University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, interested and qualified candidates should;

• 1

  Click the button below to navigate the application form.

• 2

  Fill out the form and attach all required documents.

• 3

  A complete application includes all letters of recommendation & finalized supporting documents submitted through our application portals by Feb. 1. Emailed applications will not be considered. No exceptions will be made.

• 4

  Applications that do not include letters of recommendation & supporting documents and/or applications not submitted by Feb. 1 @ 11:59 pm PST will be considered incomplete and will not be considered. No exceptions will be made.

• 5

  First-round denials are made by mid-February. 

• 6

  All other applicants will be notified of a decision for the program the first week of March.