Summary
- Programme: Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) 2027
- Host Institution: Santa Fe Institute (SFI)
- Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Programme Dates: 30 May – 7 August 2027
- Funding: US$7,000 stipend, accommodation, meals and travel support
- Eligible Applicants: Current undergraduate students from eligible institutions worldwide
- Application Deadline: 13 January 2027
About the Programme
The Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) Program 2027 is a 10-week residential research opportunity for undergraduate students interested in exploring complex systems through mathematical, computational and interdisciplinary approaches.
Hosted by the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico, the programme allows selected students to work closely with SFI researchers to develop and pursue original research projects. Participants explore research directions, meet potential mentors and refine their ideas during the opening weeks before settling on projects that can make meaningful progress over the summer.
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Get Your Copy →Complexity science examines how systems with many interacting components behave, adapt and evolve. The programme brings together ideas and methods from different academic disciplines to investigate questions involving natural, physical and social systems.
Students spend most of their working time on individual research projects. They also participate in seminars, discussions, tutorials and workshops designed to strengthen their research and professional skills. Topics include effective scientific reading, research methods and communicating scientific ideas to different audiences.
Participants become part of the Santa Fe Institute research community and interact with researchers, faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and other students. Each participant is expected to deliver a short presentation outlining their research project and a final research presentation during the programme.
The 2027 programme begins on 30 May and ends on 7 August. Attendance for the entire 10 weeks is compulsory.
Scholarship Benefits
The Santa Fe Institute provides financial and practical support to participants throughout the residential programme.
The confirmed benefits include:
- US$7,000 stipend: Each participant receives a stipend of US$7,000 over the 10-week programme.
- Free accommodation: Participants receive private rooms with private bathrooms at the Institute of American Indian Arts campus in Santa Fe.
- Meals: Meals are provided at no cost during the residential programme.
- Travel support: Travel support is provided for transportation to and from Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- Research mentorship: Participants work with SFI researchers and develop original research projects.
- Academic development: Seminars, tutorials and workshops help participants strengthen their research and communication skills.
- Professional networking: Participants connect with researchers and other members of the international research community.
The programme also coordinates weekday transportation between the accommodation campus and the Santa Fe Institute research campus.
Important clarification: The programme provides travel support for reaching and leaving Santa Fe, but personal transportation around the city is not covered. Participants extending their stay beyond the official programme dates must arrange and pay for their additional accommodation, meals and transportation.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for currently enrolled undergraduate students. Applicants from two-year and four-year institutions are eligible.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be actively enrolled, either part-time or full-time, in a degree programme leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
- Intend to continue their undergraduate studies for at least one additional academic term after the programme ends in August 2027.
- Have an expected undergraduate graduation date in December 2027 or later.
- Be able to attend the complete 10-week programme, arriving on 30 May 2027.
- Meet the programme’s US work-authorisation requirement.
Students from different academic backgrounds, including physical sciences, natural sciences, social sciences and mathematics, are welcome. Strong quantitative skills and experience with programming languages are considered advantageous.
Previous research experience is not required. However, applicants should demonstrate curiosity, independent thinking, creativity and the ability to work collaboratively.
International students studying outside the United States may apply. However, SFI states that participants must be authorised to work in the US. The institute may provide limited visa assistance in relevant circumstances, including possible J-1 sponsorship. International applicants should contact the SFI Education Team at education@santafe.edu to clarify their individual eligibility before applying.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applications are submitted through the official SurveyMonkey Apply platform.
Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements.
Confirm that you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate programme and will continue your undergraduate studies for at least one academic term after August 2027. Check the US work-authorisation requirement carefully.
Step 2: Prepare your academic CV or résumé.
Prepare an updated academic CV highlighting your education, relevant coursework, technical skills, programming experience, projects and other academic activities.
Step 3: Prepare your research statement.
Applicants must respond to two research-related prompts, including a short project proposal. The research statement should explain the questions or topics that interest you, how you might investigate them and why your proposed approach is suitable.
The institute does not expect applicants to have previous research experience or a fully developed research project.
Step 4: Obtain your academic transcript.
Prepare an unofficial transcript from every college or university you have attended. If your transcript is not in English, include an English translation cover page for the reviewers.
Step 5: Request a recommendation letter.
Obtain one recommendation letter from a professor, mentor or academic adviser who knows your work. Contact your recommender early to avoid delays.
Step 6: Complete the online application.
Create an account on SurveyMonkey Apply through the official application page. Complete the biographical information, upload your documents and submit your application before the deadline.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for individual interviews via Zoom. SFI expects to notify applicants of their application status in March 2027.
Important Deadline
The application period opened on 2 November 2026.
The application deadline is 13 January 2027 at 4:00 PM MST (UTC−7).
The programme will run from 30 May to 7 August 2027. Participants must attend the entire 10-week programme, and late arrivals are not permitted.
Official Application Link
Final Note from AK Travels LTD
The Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research Program 2027 is a valuable opportunity for undergraduate students interested in research, mathematics, computing and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding complex systems.
The US$7,000 stipend, accommodation, meals and travel support make the programme particularly attractive. However, international applicants must pay close attention to the US work-authorisation requirement and confirm whether their immigration circumstances permit participation.
Prepare your research statement carefully, request your recommendation letter early and submit a complete application before the deadline.
For more verified international scholarships, research internships, fellowships and study-abroad opportunities, visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com.
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