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Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) USA

The Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a competitive, paid, 11-week immersive research program designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience in science, engineering, and technology.

Hosted on Purdue’s West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses, the program matches students with faculty and graduate student mentors to work on cutting-edge research projects. The goal is to prepare students for advanced education and careers in research and STEM fields.

Key Program Details

  • Duration: 11 Weeks (typically late May through early August)
  • Location: Purdue University (West Lafayette or Indianapolis, Indiana)
  • Stipend: $6,500 (paid bi-weekly)
  • Housing Allowance: Up to $2,500 (primarily for external/non-Purdue students)
  • Travel Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 (for eligible external students)

Program Benefits

Selected fellows receive comprehensive support to ensure a productive summer. Beyond financial compensation, the program offers significant academic and professional development.

  1. Financial Support:
    • A stipend of $6,500 for the full 11-week duration.
    • Housing Allowance: Non-Purdue students receive an allowance of up to $2,500. Purdue students may be eligible if they apply by the priority deadline.
    • Travel Grant: External students and Purdue-Indianapolis students may receive up to $1,000 for round-trip travel costs.
  2. Mentorship:
    • Work directly under the guidance of experienced faculty and graduate mentors.
    • Gain exposure to state-of-the-art research tools and laboratory environments.
  3. Professional Development:
    • Weekly seminars and workshops focused on technical communication, research ethics, and graduate school preparation.
    • Networking opportunities with peers, researchers, and professionals.
  4. Research Symposium:
    • The program culminates in a SURF Symposium, where participants present their research findings to the academic community, enhancing their presentation and communication skills.

Eligibility Criteria

The SURF program is open to undergraduate students from Purdue University as well as other U.S. and international institutions.

  • Enrollment Status: Must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in a bachelor’s degree program.
  • Academic Standing:
    • Must have completed at least one academic semester or quarter prior to the program.
    • Must have at least one semester of undergraduate study remaining after the summer program concludes.
    • Minimum GPA: Cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0 (or equivalent).
  • Student Level: Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
  • First-Time Participants: Priority is given to students participating in Purdue SURF for the first time.

Note: International students studying at U.S. institutions or abroad are generally eligible to apply, but should verify specific visa requirements on the official portal.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must submit a complete online application package, including:

  1. Statement of Purpose: A personal essay detailing your research interests, career goals, and why you are interested in the Purdue SURF program.
  2. Resume or CV: showcasing your academic background, skills, and any prior relevant experience.
  3. Unofficial Transcripts: From your current university/college.
  4. Letter of Recommendation: Required for non-Purdue (external) applicants. (Purdue students generally do not need a letter unless specified).
  5. Project Selection: During the application, students can review available research projects posted by faculty and indicate their top choices.

Important Dates (Estimated)

  • Application Opens: Early December
  • Priority Deadline: January 15
  • Rolling Deadline: Applications may be accepted after Jan 15 if spots remain, but applying by the priority date is strongly recommended for funding consideration.
  • Program Dates: Late May – Early August

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Purdue Engineering Undergraduate Research Office (EURO) portal.

  1. Create an Account: Visit the official Purdue SURF application portal.
  2. Browse Projects: Review the list of available research projects for the upcoming summer.
  3. Prepare Documents: Gather your transcript, resume, and draft your statement of purpose.
  4. Submit: Complete the online form and upload documents by the January 15 priority deadline.
  5. External Students: Ensure your recommender submits their letter by the deadline.