Fully Funded Rockefeller University SURF Scholarships 2026 (Deadline: Ongoing)

If you’re an undergraduate student majoring in the life or physical sciences and looking for an intensive summer research experience in one of the world’s major hubs of science — the SURF programme at Rockefeller offers exactly that.

 Program Overview

The SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship) at Rockefeller University is a 10-week, on-campus research fellowship designed for college sophomores and juniors. Students are placed in a laboratory at the university, work on a focused project under a faculty or post-doctoral mentor, and gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge scientific investigation.

 Benefits & Details

• Duration: Starts early June, runs approximately through early–mid August. (Rockefeller University)
• Stipend: US $6,500 for the 10-week period. (Rockefeller University)
• Housing: Free housing is provided for students who cannot commute. (Rockefeller University)
• Research fields: The programme spans life sciences, structural biology, chemistry, molecular/cell biology, immunology, virology, neuroscience, physics, mathematical biology. (Rockefeller University)

 Eligibility & Key Requirements

• Applicants should be undergraduates at the sophomore or junior level at the time of application. (Surf Application)
• Open to international students as well. (Rockefeller University)
• Applicants must submit:
  • Completed online application form. (Rockefeller University)
  • A personal statement (two pages, single-spaced) covering your academic background, scientific interests, any research experience, career goals, how you will contribute to the programme and benefit from it. (Surf Application)
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (scanned upload) – unofficial transcripts won’t be accepted.
  • Two letters of recommendation (preferably from professors or research mentors who can comment on lab performance or research relevance). (Rockefeller University)

 Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: February 1 (e.g., February 1 2025 for program starting June 2025) (Scholarships Future)
• Notification of acceptance: Mid-March.
• Program dates example: June 2 – August 8, 2025. (Rockefeller University)

 Why This Programme Stands Out

• Experiencing research in a leading institution on Manhattan’s Upper East Side gives you exposure to world-class science in a global city. (Rockefeller University)
• The immersive 10-week format allows you to live and work like a graduate student, gain scientific presentation experience (weekly Journal Club, final poster session) and build your CV for graduate school or research careers. (Rockefeller University)
• For those from abroad, the inclusive eligibility means your international background is welcome, helping diversify scientific communities and build global networks.