Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in a 10-week summer research experience under the guidance of experienced mentors. Established in 1979, SURF is designed to mirror the process of scientific inquiry and grant-seeking, providing students with hands-on research experience at the forefront of various scientific fields.
SURF participants collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop research projects, write research proposals as part of the application process, and, upon acceptance, conduct their research over a 10-week period during the summer. The program culminates with students submitting a technical paper and delivering an oral presentation at SURF Seminar Day, modeled after professional technical meetings.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements for Caltech Students
To be eligible for SURF you must:
- Be a continuing undergraduate student
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- Complete the third term at Caltech, or at another school under a program approved by a Dean
- Be eligible for fall term registration before beginning your SURF project and no later than July 1
- Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanction
Eligibility Requirements for Visiting (Non-Caltech) Students
To be eligible for SURF you must:
- Be a continuing undergraduate student and eligible for fall term registration*
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0
- Complete the second semester or third quarter at your college or university**
- Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanction.
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.