Program Overview

The Summer Undergrad Research Fellowships (SURF) Program

The Summer Undergrad Research Fellowships (SURF) program at Caltech is a prestigious, 10-week summer research fellowship that immerses undergraduates in mentor-guided research at the cutting edge of science and engineering. Modeled after the professional grant-seeking process, students develop a project with a faculty mentor, submit a research proposal, and if selected, conduct full-time research. The program concludes with a technical paper and an oral presentation at SURF Seminar Days, mirroring the format of a professional scientific conference.

Program Details

• Disciplines: STEM
• Eligibility: GPA of 2.5 or greater, US Citizen, US Permanent residents, International students
• Duration: 10 Weeks
• Benefit: $8,110 stipend, workshops, social and cultural activities, and weekly seminars
• Program Dates: Summer 2026

Program Structure

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive research experience, including:

• Developing a research project with a faculty mentor
• Submitting a research proposal
• Conducting full-time research
• Preparing a technical paper
• Presenting research at SURF Seminar Days