Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2026 and California Institute of Technology, USA (June 2026)

The Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2026 represents a premier opportunity for undergraduate scholars to engage in high-impact scientific inquiry at one of the world’s leading research institutions. This ten-week immersive program allows students to experience the full cycle of professional research, from project definition to final presentation. Consequently, participants work directly alongside distinguished faculty and scientists, gaining a competitive edge for future graduate school applications and research careers.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) 2026
Organizing Institution	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Dates & Duration	10 Weeks (Typically mid-June to late August)
Financial Award	$8,110 Stipend
Mode of Delivery	In-person (Pasadena, CA or LIGO observatory sites)
Application Deadline	February 22, 2026

Program Overview

The Caltech SURF program is modeled after the professional research grant process, requiring students to take intellectual ownership of their work. Furthermore, the program is recognized as a “crown jewel” of the institution, fostering independent thinking and scientific creativity. Fellows are integrated into the academic community through weekly seminars led by Caltech faculty and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) scientists. This structured environment ensures that students not only complete a project but also develop essential professional skills in communication and networking.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements differ slightly between internal Caltech students and visiting international or domestic scholars:

• Student Status: Applicants must be continuing undergraduate students eligible for fall 2026 registration.
• Academic Standing (Caltech Students): Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and completion of the third term.
• Academic Standing (Visiting Students): Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and completion of the second semester or third quarter.
• Conduct: Candidates must not be under any current academic or disciplinary sanctions.
• International Eligibility: Non-US citizens are eligible for projects on the Caltech campus but are generally restricted from JPL-based projects unless they hold permanent residency.

Curriculum & Topics Covered

The fellowship supports a vast array of disciplines across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), including:

• Applied Physics & Quantum Systems: Modeling optomechanical systems and experimental laser physics.
• Computer Science & AI: Machine learning, signal processing, and data analytics.
• Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering: Instrument development and gravitational-wave science.
• Biology & Bioengineering: Biomedical research and planetary sciences.
• Chemistry & Chemical Engineering: Advanced material synthesis and laboratory research.

Learning Outcomes

By participating in the Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2026, students will:

• Master technical experimental and theoretical research methodologies.
• Develop a professional-grade research proposal and final technical report.
• Enhance public speaking skills through oral presentations at SURF Seminar Days.
• Build a professional network with world-class mentors and a cohort of global peers.

Registration Details

The application process is highly competitive and requires early coordination with a potential faculty mentor.

Process Component	Details / Link
Mentor Contact	Required prior to application submission
Application System	SFP Online Portal
Research Proposal	Written by student with mentor guidance
Letters of Recommendation	Two required (at least one from faculty)
Award Announcement	April 1, 2026

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the fellowship or mentor matching, please contact the Student-Faculty Programs (SFP) office:

• Institution: California Institute of Technology
• Office: Student-Faculty Programs Office
• Location: 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
• Official Website: Caltech SFP Website

Key Highlights

The program emphasizes hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories. In addition to the research work, fellows attend small student-faculty dinners and various social activities designed to integrate them into the Pasadena academic community. For students interested in gravitational waves, the LIGO SURF track provides specific opportunities at observatory sites in Washington or Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Caltech SURF 2026 open to international students?
Yes, international students are welcome to apply for research conducted on the Caltech campus. However, they must secure appropriate visa authorization prior to starting.

How do I find a mentor for the fellowship?
Visiting students should browse the Caltech faculty directory and send tailored emails to professors whose research aligns with their interests. Consequently, getting a mentor’s agreement is a mandatory first step.

Can I take summer classes while doing a SURF?
No, the fellowship requires a full-time commitment to the research project for the entire ten-week duration.

Is housing provided in addition to the stipend?
While the $8,110 stipend is intended to cover living expenses, students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own housing, though Caltech campus housing is typically available.

What is the deadline for recommendation letters?
All application materials, including letters of recommendation and the research proposal, must be submitted by February 22, 2026.