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Summary

• Programme: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2027
• Host Institution: Stanford University School of Engineering
• Location: Stanford, California, United States
• Duration: Eight weeks
• Programme Dates: June 21 – August 13, 2027
• Number of Fellows: 15 undergraduate students
• Funding: Fully funded participation
• Stipend: US$6,000 upon successful completion
• Application Opens: November 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
• Eligible Applicants: Qualified undergraduate students enrolled full-time at accredited colleges and universities in the United States, including eligible international students studying in the US.

About the Stanford Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

The Stanford Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is an eight-week research and graduate school preparation programme organised by Stanford University’s School of Engineering.

The programme is designed to give talented undergraduate students access to high-impact research experiences and introduce them to the academic and professional demands of graduate-level research. It particularly encourages applications from first-generation and low-income students, as well as students from institutions and academic environments with limited access to research opportunities.

For the 2027 cohort, Stanford Engineering plans to bring 15 undergraduate students to its campus for an intensive summer experience. Participants will work in a Stanford Engineering laboratory group, receive mentorship and develop the skills needed to pursue doctoral studies in engineering.

Beyond laboratory research, the programme includes graduate school preparation, networking, community-building activities and a research symposium where fellows present their work through poster sessions and lightning talks.

Scholarship Benefits

The 2027 SURF programme is fully funded by Stanford Engineering. According to the official programme announcement, all costs associated with participation will be covered, including transportation, housing and meals.

Selected fellows will receive:

• US$6,000 stipend: Awarded upon successful completion of the programme.
• Transportation: Transportation costs associated with participation will be covered.
• Accommodation: Housing will be provided for the programme period.
• Meals: Meal costs associated with participation will be covered.
• Health Insurance: Health insurance coverage will be provided if needed.
• University Registration: Stanford University summer registration costs will be covered.
• Research Experience: Eight weeks of practical research in a Stanford Engineering laboratory.
• Mentorship and Networking: Opportunities to learn from researchers, mentors and fellow participants.
• Graduate School Preparation: Structured activities to help participants understand and prepare for PhD applications.
• Research Symposium: An opportunity to present research findings through poster presentations and lightning talks.

These benefits make the 2027 programme a fully funded research opportunity for students who satisfy the eligibility requirements.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited public or private college or university located in the United States.
3. Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or demonstrate exceptional circumstances or significant academic improvement that may be considered by the selection committee.
4. Have completed their sophomore year, equivalent to four semesters or six quarters of undergraduate study.
5. Be a rising junior or a non-graduating senior with at least one full semester or quarter of undergraduate study remaining after the summer programme.
6. Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a PhD in an engineering field.
7. Be available for the entire programme from June 21 to August 13, 2027.
8. Not undertake summer courses, another internship or employment while participating in SURF.

Master’s and doctoral students are not eligible.

International students: International applicants may apply if they are studying and living full-time in the United States and have CPT approval. Students who live outside the United States or are fully enrolled at a college or university outside the US are not eligible.

This means that Nigerian students currently studying full-time at eligible US institutions may apply if they meet the CPT requirement. Nigerian students studying in Nigeria or another country outside the United States are not eligible under the published 2027 criteria.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applications must be submitted through Stanford’s official online application portal.

Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements

Confirm that you meet the age, academic, institutional enrolment and research-interest requirements. International applicants should pay particular attention to the US residence and CPT conditions.

Step 2: Prepare your application documents

The official programme requires the following:

• Resume or CV, typed and single-spaced, between one and two pages.
• Academic transcript. An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
• Statement of Purpose, one to two pages, explaining your academic preparation, research interests and motivation for pursuing a PhD in engineering.
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably from professors or academic and research supervisors familiar with your academic potential.

An optional but strongly encouraged Enhancing the Learning Community statement may also be submitted. It should be approximately 500 words and explain experiences, values or perspectives that would contribute to the SURF community.

Step 3: Complete the online application

Visit the official application portal and provide the requested information. Ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.

Step 4: Review and submit

Check your application carefully before submission. Stanford states that emailed applications and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Step 5: Await the selection decision

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by mid-March 2027.

Stanford strongly discourages the use of ChatGPT in preparing application statements. Applicants should ensure their essays reflect their own experiences, ideas and writing.

Important Deadline

The application period for the 2027 Stanford Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship runs from November 1, 2026, to February 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

The programme will take place from June 21 to August 13, 2027.

Official Application Link

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Official Programme Information

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Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The Stanford SURF 2027 programme is an excellent opportunity for eligible undergraduate students interested in engineering research and future doctoral studies. However, applicants must understand that the programme is not open to students enrolled at universities outside the United States.

International students already studying full-time in the US may qualify if they satisfy Stanford’s CPT requirement and all other eligibility conditions.

For more verified international scholarships, fellowships, internships and study opportunities, visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com.