Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Summer Student Fellowship
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Summer Student Fellowship Program offers undergraduate students a 10- to 12-week immersive research experience in ocean sciences and engineering during the summer. Fellows conduct independent research projects under the supervision of WHOI Scientific or Senior Technical Staff, spanning topics across WHOI departments and the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. Participants engage in a rich schedule of activities, including the Summer Lecture Series, Ethics in Science Workshop, seminars, a hands-on ocean sampling cruise aboard the R/V Tioga, and interactions with MIT-WHOI Joint Program graduate students through Q&A sessions and near-peer mentoring. Fellows present mid-summer progress reports, end-of-summer written reports, and public oral or poster presentations of their results.
Awards include a weekly stipend of $721 for Summer 2026, a $720 round-trip travel allowance, and on-campus housing (typically shared rooms). The program aims to provide promising science and engineering students with hands-on experience to explore careers in ocean-related fields. It is funded in part by the National Science Foundation's REU program. No formal academic credit is offered by WHOI, though students may arrange this with their home institutions. International students are welcome, with visa support provided, though they are subject to a 14% U.S. federal tax withholding.
Eligibility Requirements
- Full-time undergraduate students who have completed their junior year (third year) by the start of the fellowship (typically rising seniors).
- Students in 3-year Bachelor's programs (e.g., UK) must be in their second year.
- Students in 5-year combined Bachelor's/Master's programs must be in their third year.
- Students graduating before the fellowship begins are ineligible.
- Major or interest in science/engineering fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, geophysics, mathematics, meteorology, physics, oceanography, or marine policy.
- Tentative interest in ocean sciences, oceanographic engineering, or marine policy.
- Open to U.S. and international students; international applicants require J-1 visa support and proof of English proficiency.
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.