The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Purdue University provides undergraduate students with an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in research while gaining invaluable academic and professional experience. Over the course of 11 weeks, students from Purdue, other U.S. institutions, and international universities will have the chance to work closely with faculty, graduate students, or postdoctoral mentors on cutting-edge research projects at Purdue’s West Lafayette or Indianapolis campuses.
Participants in this competitive fellowship are awarded a stipend of $6500, paid bi-weekly, for their commitment to the program. Alongside hands-on research, students engage in weekly workshops focused on professional development, helping them sharpen both their technical and communication skills. The program culminates in a research symposium, where students present their findings, and they must submit a detailed final report to their project advisor and the Engineering Undergraduate Research Office (EURO).This fellowship offers more than just research experience; it provides students with the tools and networks necessary for future academic and career success.
Purdue University SURF Program Summary
- Host Country: USA
- Host Institution: Purdue University
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | $6500 stipend | $1000 Travel Expenses | $2500 Accommodation
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: January 15, 2025
Benefits of Purdue University SURF Program 2025
- Applicants receive a generous stipend of $6,500 paid bi-weekly for their dedicated participation in the 11-week immersive research program.
- Applicants gain access to seasoned faculty and graduate student mentors who provide valuable guidance, ensuring a supportive and enriching research experience.
- Applicants attend specialized professional development seminars designed to enhance their skills and provide insights into various aspects of academic and research careers.
- Applicants showcase their research findings by presenting at the prestigious SURF Symposium, a platform to share their work with peers, faculty, and professionals.
- Applicants enjoy a vibrant social community through activities designed to foster bonding with fellow participants, creating a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
- Applicants engage in networking events, workshops, and seminars that connect them with professionals, researchers, and peers, expanding their professional network and building lasting connections.
- Applicants develop and refine their technical communication skills, enabling them to effectively convey complex ideas, research findings, and insights in a professional setting.
- Applicants who are external students receive a $2,500 housing allowance, while Purdue students must apply by the priority deadline to be considered for this benefit.
- Applicants who are external and Purdue-Indy students can access travel reimbursement of up to $1,000, with external applicants needing to apply by the priority deadline to be eligible.
Requirements for Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
To be considered for the Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Applicants should be currently enrolled as full-time undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Purdue, another U.S. institution, or a university abroad.
- The Purdue SURF program is open only to first-time participants, as students may only engage in the program once.
- Applicants must have completed at least one academic term (semester or quarter) by the time they submit their SURF application.
- Applicants must remain enrolled as undergraduate students for at least one academic term after the conclusion of the SURF program.
- Eligible applicants must be rising juniors or seniors. Purdue-affiliated rising sophomores, including those from Purdue-Indy, are also welcome to apply.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0, or its equivalent, is required at the time of application.
- Applicants must show the ability to actively engage in the majority of the program’s activities. With faculty permission, requests for alternate start dates (up to one week after the program begins) may be accommodated.
Required Documents for Purdue University SURF Program
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents:
- Application Form
- Resume
- University Transcript
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
How to Apply for Purdue University SURF Program (Step by Step)
To apply for the Purdue University SURF Program, interested candidates should;
- Complete the application form.
- Upload your resume.
- Upload a PDF of your university transcript, including your name, program, past courses with grades, and current enrollments.
- Submit a Statement of Purpose addressing the following: experiences leading you to pursue your field, intriguing questions or problems motivating you, why you are attracted to SURF, how participation aligns with your career goals, your long-term STEM career aspirations, skills and knowledge you aim to gain, and any obstacles you’ve overcome.
- External students must request a letter of recommendation from a Professor/Professional you’ve worked closely with.
- Explore potential research projects, discuss your interests with Purdue professors, and select up to three projects on the application.
Click on the link below to apply:
https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/Research/EURO/SURF
