Caltech SURF 2027: Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Award & Application

2027 dates and current status

The official application page announces the 2027 opening and states that applications and recommendations are due on February 22. Confirm the year-specific deadline and closing time in SFP Online when it opens.

Caltech’s FAQ gives a standard start of 15 June 2027. Alternative starts require approval; all participants must begin by 12 July. Check compatibility with your home institution’s calendar before making commitments.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be continuing undergraduates, eligible for the following fall term and free of academic or disciplinary sanctions. Visiting students need at least 2.5/4.0 cumulative GPA and completion of their second semester or third quarter. Caltech students have a separate 2.0 GPA and third-term requirement.

International students are eligible for campus SURF. The eligibility page restricts JPL placements to US citizens and permanent residents. Exchange arrangements apply to certain partner institutions. Consult the official instructions for the route relevant to you.

Check degree status carefully: taking college courses while still in high school does not meet the visiting-student degree-enrolment requirement. Ask SFP about academic-calendar or qualification questions you cannot resolve from the published rules.

Award, costs and research commitments

For 2027, Caltech publishes an US$8,354 award for ten weeks. Fellows work full time in person and cannot take courses or hold another job. Required outputs include interim reports, an abstract, a final technical paper and an oral presentation.

Housing is paid separately, is limited and is not guaranteed. Students living on campus must also purchase the specified dining balance. Before accepting, estimate accommodation, meals, travel and other personal costs using current information rather than assuming the award covers everything.

The programme includes research seminars, communication workshops and academic/professional development activities. Consider the time needed both for the research and for communicating its results.

Mentor approval and application documents

Secure a Caltech faculty mentor’s approval before applying. The mentor helps define the project and agrees to financial contribution. Submit through SFP Online: application, student-written proposal, visiting-student unofficial transcript and two confidential recommendations, at least one from faculty.

The proposed Caltech mentor provides a separate evaluation and should not be a regular recommender. Visiting awardees are later asked for an official transcript.

1. Identify a suitable group and discuss a feasible project.
2. Confirm mentor support and funding arrangements.
3. Prepare your own proposal and supporting records.
4. Enter recommender details early.
5. Review the live form and submit the complete application.

Caltech says to consult the mentor or SFP about generative-AI policy; use not specifically permitted is prohibited. Preserve your own authorship and understanding throughout preparation.

Preparation checklist

The following suggestions are CareerAidHub guidance.

• Define a research question that fits the available time.
• Connect your coursework or experience to the proposed methods.
• Explain the evidence you would collect and the limitations you expect.
• Discuss equipment, training and supervision needs with the mentor.
• Ask referees for permission and share relevant background.
• Check files for accuracy and keep your submission record.

A useful first step is a short project discussion rather than a fully polished proposal. Use feedback to refine scope, then explain the plan in your own words.

Career Accelerator support

CareerAidHub’s Career Accelerator Program offers profile review, career mapping, CV preparation, professor-outreach guidance, targeted opportunity mapping and 1:1 mentorship. For SURF, feedback should support the student’s own work and comply with programme rules.

CareerAidHub is independent of Caltech. Support does not guarantee mentor acceptance or an award.