MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) 2027

The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) 2027 is a nine-week research programme organised by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Office of Graduate Education.

Established in 1986, the programme provides undergraduate students with opportunities to undertake research at MIT and prepare for future postgraduate education and research careers.

MSRP brings together talented students from different academic and educational backgrounds, particularly those who may have experienced limited access to advanced research opportunities.

Selected participants work with MIT faculty members, postdoctoral researchers and advanced graduate students on projects aligned with their research interests.

The programme introduces participants to university-level research methods, research communication and the academic environment of a leading research institution.

Research Opportunities

MSRP General includes potential research placements across MIT's academic schools and the Schwarzman College of Computing.

Participating areas include:

• Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
• Physics and Mathematics
• Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
• Economics and Political Science
• Architecture and Urban Studies
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Data Science and Computational Research
• Other participating academic disciplines

Research placements depend on the availability of participating faculty and suitable projects.

Students interested specifically in Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Brain and Cognitive Sciences should apply through the separate MSRP Biology/BCS programme.

Programme Structure

The nine-week programme combines:

• Full-time supervised academic research.
• Faculty research presentations.
• Professional development workshops.
• Graduate school preparation sessions.
• Research writing and communication activities.
• Academic and social networking opportunities.
• A concluding research poster presentation.

Participants prepare research-related deliverables, which may include an abstract, research paper and graduate school statement of purpose.

At the end of the programme, students present their findings at a research forum attended by researchers, faculty and other participants.

Important International Eligibility Restriction

The programme accepts eligible international students, but they must already be studying full-time at a qualifying university physically located in the United States or its territories.

Students completing their undergraduate degrees at universities outside the United States are not eligible, even if they hold US citizenship.

Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting undergraduate programme at an eligible university in the United States or its territories.
• Not be a current MIT undergraduate student.
• Be a sophomore, junior or non-graduating senior.
• Have completed at least two academic years of college coursework by the beginning of the programme.
• Have an overall or major GPA of 3.5/4.0, according to the main eligibility criteria, subject to the university's stated consideration of lower GPAs.
• Be interested in pursuing postgraduate education in an eligible MIT graduate programme.
• Demonstrate genuine interest in academic research or teaching.
• Have the necessary US citizenship, permanent residence, DACA status or valid visa and work authorisation.
• Be available for full-time, on-campus participation during the complete programme.

Selected participants receive the following support:

• Weekly Stipend: Financial support during the nine-week research programme.
• University Accommodation: Housing provided for the programme duration.
• Return Travel: Round-trip travel support to MIT.
• Food Subsidy: Financial support towards meal expenses.
• Programme Meals: Several meals provided during organised activities.
• Academic Mentorship: Research supervision from MIT faculty, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.
• Research Facilities: Opportunities to conduct research using relevant university laboratories and facilities.
• Professional Development: Access to workshops covering academic, personal and career development.
• Graduate School Preparation: Guidance about future postgraduate study and research careers.
• Research Presentations: Participation in a final poster symposium.
• Networking Activities: Interaction with MIT researchers and other programme participants.
• Campus Resources: Access to selected MIT libraries, athletic facilities and health services.

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Online Application: Complete the official MSRP General application.
• Application Essays: Responses about academic experiences, research interests, challenges and professional goals.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current academic CV of one to two pages.
• Unofficial Academic Transcript: Transcripts from relevant institutions attended.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Submitted directly by nominated referees.
• Research Preferences: Up to three preferred departments, faculty members or research areas.
• Personal and Educational Information: Details required by the MIT application portal.

MIT considers applicants based on:

• Academic background and potential.
• Interest in postgraduate education and research careers.
• Research interests and their alignment with available MIT opportunities.
• Personal and educational experiences described in the application.
• Ability to benefit from research and professional development.
• Academic and research recommendation letters.
• Demonstrated potential to overcome academic or educational barriers.
• Leadership, mentoring or contribution to supportive academic environments, where relevant.
• Suitability for available research placements.

• Advanced research experience: Conduct supervised academic research at MIT.
• Graduate school preparation: Explore pathways towards master's and doctoral education.
• Academic mentorship: Learn from faculty members, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.
• Professional development: Strengthen research communication and academic writing skills.
• Research presentation: Gain experience presenting findings to an academic audience.
• Interdisciplinary exposure: Discover research methods and ideas across multiple disciplines.
• Professional networking: Build connections with students and researchers.
• Career exploration: Develop a clearer understanding of academic research and teaching careers.