Purdue University Summer Research Fellowship (SURF) 2027

The Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2027 is a paid summer research programme designed to provide undergraduate students with practical research experience at one of the leading public research universities in the United States.

Organised through Purdue University's Engineering Undergraduate Research Office (EURO), the fellowship welcomes eligible students from Purdue, other universities in the United States and international institutions.

The programme offers a structured research experience in which participants work alongside Purdue faculty members, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

Selected fellows contribute to research projects that may involve engineering, science, technology, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, computing, biological sciences and other disciplines.

Participants work under academic supervision, develop research skills, attend professional development activities and learn how to communicate scientific findings.

The fellowship includes research-related workshops and mini-symposia covering academic and professional development.

At the end of the programme, participants present their research findings at the SURF Research Symposium and submit a final research report.

Programme Structure

The 2027 fellowship includes:

• Remote onboarding and training from 31 May to 4 June 2027.
• Arrival and move-in on 5–6 June 2027.
• In-person orientation on 7 June 2027.
• Campus-based research activities from 7 June to 30 July 2027.
• Research Symposium on 29 July 2027.

Students work on Purdue's West Lafayette or Indianapolis campus, depending on the research project and placement.

The programme offers an opportunity to experience university research while exploring potential future careers in academia, industry and advanced scientific research.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree.
• Be studying at Purdue University, another US institution or an international university.
• Have completed at least one academic semester or quarter before applying.
• Maintain undergraduate enrolment for at least one academic semester or quarter after the fellowship.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0 or an equivalent academic result.
• Be pursuing their first bachelor's degree, or an eligible undergraduate-entry professional degree before receiving a bachelor's qualification.
• Be available to participate in the required programme activities.
• Not enrol in other courses, internships or concurrent summer programmes during SURF.

Successful applicants may receive the following benefits:

• $6,500 Stipend: Paid biweekly during the programme.
• $2,500 Housing Allowance: Automatically available to accepted non-Purdue students.
• Conditional Travel Support: Eligible participants conducting research away from their home university may receive a travel subsidy.
• Research Mentorship: Work with Purdue faculty, graduate researchers and postdoctoral mentors.
• Research Experience: Participate in practical research projects using university facilities and resources.
• Professional Development: Attend training sessions, mini-symposia and research workshops.
• Research Presentation: Present findings at the SURF Research Symposium.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with researchers, students and academic professionals.
• Communication Skills: Develop technical writing and scientific presentation abilities.

Housing Support

All non-Purdue students receive the $2,500 housing allowance.

Purdue students must apply by the January priority deadline to be considered for housing assistance. Eligibility and award decisions are communicated in their offer letters.

Travel Assistance

Travel subsidies are conditional and generally intended for participants whose research placement is away from their home university.

Non-Purdue students seeking travel support must meet the applicable priority deadline.

Applicants should prepare the following materials:

• Academic CV or Résumé: A document outlining education, relevant skills, projects and experience.
• Unofficial University Transcript: Academic record showing completed courses, grades and current enrolment.
• Statement of Purpose: A written explanation of academic interests, research motivation, preparation and career aspirations.
• Letter of Recommendation: Required for students applying from institutions other than Purdue University.
• Application Information: Personal, educational and research-interest details entered into the official portal.

Purdue considers the following factors when selecting SURF participants:

• Satisfaction of programme eligibility requirements.
• Academic performance and university record.
• Relevant qualifications for available research projects.
• Information provided in the application.
• Suitability for a particular research project.
• Successful matching with a Purdue research project and mentor.

• Hands-on research: Gain practical experience contributing to an academic research project.
• International exposure: Experience a research environment at a major US university.
• Academic mentorship: Learn directly from faculty members and experienced researchers.
• Professional skills: Strengthen research methodology, problem-solving and technical communication.
• Research presentation: Develop confidence presenting findings to an academic audience.
• Career exploration: Discover opportunities in graduate study, scientific research and technical careers.
• Interdisciplinary learning: Explore projects across different research fields.