Stanford University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026 | Fully Funded USA
Introduction
The Stanford University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for undergraduate students in the USA. This fellowship helps students do real research in engineering. It also prepares them for graduate school. The program gives a stipend and covers tuition and registration costs.
This fellowship is for students who want to learn research skills. It is a great chance to improve your academic knowledge. Students will work in labs at Stanford University and meet experienced mentors.
About the Fellowship
The SURF Bay Area Fellowship is an eight-week summer program. It brings motivated students to Stanford Engineering. Students will join research projects in different engineering fields.
The fellowship focuses on students who have limited access to research or graduate school preparation. It is designed to help first-generation and low-income students.
The program gives students a real experience of research. Fellows will also learn how graduate school works. They will join a supportive community of other students who want to study STEM.
The fellowship also includes mentorship and guidance. Students will participate in group events, community-building activities, and research symposia. These activities help students make professional connections and improve their skills.
Host Country
USA
Degree Level
- Bachelor
Fields of Study
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
These fields are included in the fellowship. Students can choose the field that matches their interests.
Fellowship Benefits
The SURF Bay Area Fellowship gives many benefits:
- Eight-week summer research in a Stanford Engineering lab
- Graduate school preparation program
- Mentorship and networking with professors and researchers
- Community-building events and team activities
- Participation in a research symposium
- Weekly meals with other fellows
- Health insurance coverage if needed
- Stanford University summer registration costs covered
- $6,000 stipend after successful completion
Note: Students must arrange their own housing, travel, and daily meals.
This fellowship helps students learn research skills and get ready for graduate school. It also improves teamwork and communication skills.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a full-time undergraduate student in the USA (non-Stanford)
- Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Be a rising junior or non-graduating senior who has completed sophomore year
- Be interested in pursuing a PhD in engineering
- Be fully available for the entire program (June 22 – August 14, 2026)
- Be able to arrange housing, meals, and daily transport independently
- Not be enrolled in other summer courses, internships, or jobs
Important: International students cannot apply for 2026. Community college students in their transfer year are eligible if they plan to enroll in a four-year college in Fall 2026.
This ensures students are ready to focus fully on the research fellowship.
Required Documents
To apply, students must submit:
- Resume or CV (typed, 1–2 pages, single-spaced)
- Academic Transcript (unofficial is enough)
- Statement of Purpose (1–2 pages, typed, single-spaced)
- One Letter of Recommendation from a professor or research supervisor
- Optional: Enhancing the Learning Community (ELC) Statement (500 words)
The statement of purpose should explain:
- Academic preparation
- Research experience
- Interest in pursuing a PhD
- Why the student wants to join the SURF Fellowship
The recommendation letter should explain the student’s research skills and potential. It should also describe personality traits like teamwork, creativity, and motivation.
Application Deadline
Application Deadline: 3 February 2026, 11:59 PM PT
Program Dates: 22 June 2026 – 14 August 2026
It is important to submit all documents before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applying is easy if you follow steps:
- Go to the official SURF Bay Area website
- Create an account in the application portal
- Fill out personal and academic information
- Upload required documents (resume, transcript, statement, recommendation)
- Submit the application before 3 February 2026
After submission, applicants will get a notification in the second week of March 2026.
Important: Make sure your application is complete. Missing documents or incorrect details can lead to rejection.
Why & Tips to Win
Students can increase their chances by:
- Showing strong interest in research and engineering
- Explaining clearly why they want to pursue a PhD
- Writing a clean and simple statement of purpose
- Highlighting past research projects or academic achievements
- Demonstrating teamwork, leadership, and creativity
- Asking recommenders to give specific examples of your abilities
- Avoiding grammar mistakes and long, unclear sentences
- Explaining how they can contribute to the Stanford research community
Common Mistakes:
- Not including all required documents
- Low GPA without explanation
- Lack of research experience
- Unclear or long statements of purpose
- Not showing genuine interest in engineering research
Following these tips helps students make a strong application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can international students apply?
A: No. Only students in the USA can apply.
Q: Are housing and travel costs covered?
A: No. Only tuition and registration costs are covered. Students must arrange their own housing and travel.
Q: Can I participate if I have other summer commitments?
A: No. Fellows must be fully available from June 22 to August 14, 2026.
Q: Can community college students apply?
A: Yes, if they plan to transfer to a four-year college by Fall 2026.
Q: How many students will be selected?
A: 14 students will be selected for the 2026 program.
Q: What is the stipend amount?
A: $6,000 after successful completion of the program.
Q: Do I need previous research experience?
A: Yes, it is recommended to have some research or project experience.
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