CALTECH University Summer Research Program 2025 in USA (Fully Funded)

Caltech University Summer Research Program 2025 | Fully Funded SURF Fellowship

Table of Content

Overview of Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships
Benefits of the Caltech SURF Program
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligibility Requirements for Caltech Students
- Eligibility Requirements for Visiting (Non-Caltech) Students
Special Requirements for International Students
Application Process and Application Deadline

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program at Caltech University is one of the most prestigious and transformative opportunities for undergraduate students. Since 1979, the SURF program has been providing students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of world-renowned mentors. Whether you're interested in science, engineering, or technology, SURF offers an unparalleled research experience at one of the leading universities in the world.

Overview of the Caltech SURF Program 2025

The SURF program allows students to develop a unique research project in collaboration with a potential mentor. Students write research proposals as part of the application process, and faculty members review these proposals to recommend awards. Once awarded, students carry out their research over a 10-week period during the summer. At the conclusion of the program, students submit a technical paper and deliver an oral presentation, simulating a professional technical meeting.

Benefits of the Caltech SURF Program

Award Amount: $7,950 for the 10-week period.
Research Experience: Hands-on experience in groundbreaking research, guided by experienced faculty mentors.
Seminars and Workshops: Weekly seminars with Caltech faculty and JPL scientists, and workshops on research careers, graduate school admissions, and effective communication.
Networking Opportunities: Access to small student-faculty dinners, where you can build professional relationships and broaden your academic horizons.
Social & Cultural Activities: Participate in cultural and social events that enhance your overall experience.

Eligibility Requirements for Caltech Students

To be eligible for the SURF program at Caltech, students must:

Be a continuing undergraduate student at Caltech.
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
Complete the third term at Caltech or a program approved by a Dean.
Be eligible for fall term registration before starting the SURF project and no later than July 1.
Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanction.

Eligibility Requirements for Visiting (Non-Caltech) Students

Non-Caltech students must meet the following criteria to apply for SURF:

Be a continuing undergraduate student at a degree-granting college or university.
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0.
Complete the second semester or third quarter at your current institution.
Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanction.
International students are eligible to participate in SURF at Caltech but may need to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa, depending on their status.

Special Requirements for International Students

International students must follow specific steps to participate in the SURF program, particularly if they plan to work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). U.S. citizens and permanent residents are the only ones eligible for placements at JPL. International students must secure a student visa (F-1 or J-1), and F-1 students must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). J-1 students need to apply for Academic Training.

Application Process

The SURF application process is rigorous and requires careful planning:

Find a Mentor: Identify and contact a research mentor who will guide your project. Mentors must agree to support your application and help define your research project.
Submit the Application: Applications are submitted through the SFP Online system, and include the following:
- An online application form.
- A research proposal outlining your project.
- Unofficial transcript (for non-Caltech students).
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member).
Evaluation: Applications are evaluated based on the quality of the research proposal, student preparedness, mentor recommendations, and the potential for intellectual ownership of the project.

Expectations from SURF Fellows

Once awarded a SURF fellowship, students are expected to:

Devote full-time effort to their research project (no other courses or jobs are allowed).
Conduct research in person (remote projects are not allowed).
Complete the 10-week program.
Submit two interim reports, a project abstract, a technical report, and deliver an oral presentation of their research.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Caltech SURF program is February 22, 2025. Ensure that you contact a mentor early in the process and complete all the necessary documents before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply