AK Travels Limited

Summary

• Host Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
• Programme: MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP General)
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
• Duration: Nine weeks
• Programme Dates: June 7 – August 7, 2027
• Funding: Weekly stipend, round-trip travel, university accommodation, and food subsidy
• Application Opens: September 29, 2026
• Application Deadline: January 19, 2027

About the MIT Summer Research Program

The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) 2027 is a competitive, nine-week research opportunity organised by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. It is designed for talented undergraduate students who want to develop their research skills, gain practical experience in an advanced academic environment, and prepare for future graduate studies.

During the programme, selected participants work on research projects under the supervision of MIT faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and graduate researchers. The experience also includes academic and professional development activities intended to strengthen participants’ preparation for graduate education.

MSRP is particularly interested in students whose educational experiences demonstrate academic potential, including those who have faced economic, social or educational barriers and students who have contributed to inclusion and support within academic or research communities.

The 2027 programme will run from June 7 to August 7, 2027, and participants are expected to take part in person for the entire period.

Scholarship Benefits

MIT describes MSRP as a fully funded summer research programme. According to its official FAQ, participants receive:

• Weekly stipend: Financial support throughout the nine-week programme.
• Round-trip travel: Travel to and from MIT.
• University accommodation: Housing for the full programme period.
• Food subsidy: Financial assistance towards meals.
• Additional meals: Several meals are provided each week through programme activities.

MIT confirms that there is no participation fee. However, food expenses are not fully covered; participants receive a food subsidy and some meals during programme activities.

Beyond financial support, participants gain access to research facilities, mentorship, academic seminars, research experience and guidance as they consider future graduate studies.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to eligible undergraduate students from different backgrounds, including international students who meet MIT’s specific requirements.

Applicants must:

• Have a minimum overall or major GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting programme at a higher education institution located in the United States or its territories. MIT students are excluded.
• Be a sophomore, junior or non-graduating senior who has completed at least two academic years of college coursework.
• Not be graduating before December 2027.
• Have an interest in pursuing graduate studies in an MIT graduate programme. Certain Sloan professional programmes, including MBA, EMBA and LGO, are excluded.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in academic research and/or teaching.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, eligible non-U.S. citizen with DACA, or international student with the appropriate visa and work authorisation.

Important for international applicants: International students studying at U.S. institutions may apply if they meet the other eligibility requirements. Students studying at universities outside the United States are not eligible, even if they are citizens of the United States. International students on F-1 visas must obtain the required CPT or OPT work authorisation before starting the programme. MIT states that this approval must be secured by May 15, 2027.

Therefore, applicants studying at universities in Nigeria or other countries outside the United States do not meet the general MSRP eligibility requirements.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Interested applicants should follow the official MIT application instructions:

1. Confirm your eligibility: Check your GPA, undergraduate level, institution location, expected graduation date and immigration or work-authorisation status.
2. Prepare your application essays: Complete the required questions about your academic journey, research interests, experiences and graduate-school goals.
3. Prepare your CV: Upload an updated curriculum vitae highlighting your education, research experience, skills, publications (if applicable) and relevant activities.
4. Obtain your transcript: Submit an unofficial transcript. MIT requires the transcript to be accessible and not locked or password-protected.
5. Request two recommendation letters: Ask suitable faculty members, research mentors or supervisors to submit recommendations through MIT’s online system. At least one letter must be from a faculty member at an institution where you have taken classes or conducted research.
6. Submit your online application: Complete the application through the official MIT application system and ensure that all required documents and recommendation letters are received before the deadline.

Applicants are responsible for following up with their recommenders. MIT states that applications missing either recommendation letter by the deadline will be considered incomplete.

Important Deadline

The application for the MIT Summer Research Program 2027 opened on September 29, 2026.

The official application deadline is:

January 19, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET).

All application materials, including both recommendation letters, must be received by this deadline. MIT states that late submissions and missing documents will not be accepted.

The programme is scheduled to take place from June 7 to August 7, 2027.

Official Application Link

Applicants should review the eligibility requirements and submit their applications through MIT’s official website:

Programme Information and Eligibility

Official Application Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The MIT Summer Research Program offers eligible undergraduate students an opportunity to gain valuable research experience at one of the world’s leading universities, with financial support covering the main costs of participation.

However, applicants should pay close attention to the institution-location requirement. Being an international student does not automatically make someone eligible: applicants must be enrolled full-time at a qualifying institution in the United States or its territories.

Visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com for more international scholarships, fellowships, research opportunities and study-abroad updates.