Are you currently an undergraduate student at Purdue University, any other institution in the USA, or an undergraduate at an international university? Here is an opportunity for both mentorship and networking.
The interesting thing here is that this fellowship opportunity is a fully funded one. Those who know about the Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship will understand the enormous benefits attached to it.
The 2025 Purdue University SURF program has called for applications from suitably qualified students who are ready to involve their 11 weeks in research with other intellectually sound individuals across the world.
You don’t have to panic about your test of English language, as it will not be required for you to be eligible or considered for the program. Students selected will research either Purdue’s West Lafayette or Indianapolis campus under the guidance of a faculty, graduate student, or postdoctoral mentor.
This program offers you the opportunity to get involved, have hands-on training from experts, and also build a strong relationship with your peers who are into research. The closing date is almost here, and you will need to apply before January 15, 2025, which is the deadline.
Who is eligible for the Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship?
- Current undergraduate enrollment: Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Purdue, another U.S. institution, or an international institution.
- First-Time Participation Restriction: Participants must be first-time students in the Purdue SURF program, as the program is generally designed for single-time engagement. However, students may participate a second time with the explicit support of their Principal Investigator (PI). PIs should note that funding preferences are given to first-time participants. Specifically:
- Second-time participants are ineligible for the EURO housing or travel subsidy.
- In the event of departmental funding limits, priority will be given to first-time participants.
- Semester Completion and Continuation: Have completed at least one academic semester/quarter by the time of the Purdue SURF program. Maintain undergraduate enrollment for at least one academic semester/quarter following the conclusion of the SURF program.
- Eligible Academic Standing: To be eligible, you must be a rising junior or senior. While preference is given to rising juniors and seniors, this preference is waived for Purdue-affiliated students.
- Minimum GPA Requirement: Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0 or equivalent at the time of application.
- Participation Availability:Â Demonstrate the ability to actively participate in the majority of program activities. Requests for alternate start dates, up to one week post-program commencement, can be accommodated with faculty permission.
Requirements for the Purdue SURF program
To be considered for the Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, you must:
- Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Purdue, another U.S. institution, or an international institution.
- Be a first-time participant in the Purdue SURF program, as students can engage in the program only once.
- Have completed at least one academic semester/quarter by the time of the SURF application.
- Maintain undergraduate enrollment for at least one academic semester/quarter following the conclusion of the Purdue SURF program.
- Be a rising junior or senior; Purdue-affiliated rising sophomores, including Purdue-Indy rising sophomores, are also eligible.
- Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0 or equivalent at the time of application.
- Demonstrate the ability to actively participate in the majority of program activities. Requests for alternate start dates, up to one week post-program commencement, can be accommodated with faculty permission.
Benefits of Purdue University SURF Program 2025
- $6500 Stipend:Â Receive a generous stipend of $6500 paid biweekly for your dedicated participation in the 11-week immersive research program.
- Expert Mentorship: Gain access to seasoned faculty and graduate student mentors who offer valuable guidance, ensuring a supportive and enriching research experience.
- Professional Development Seminars: Attend specialized seminars designed to enhance your professional skills, providing insights into various aspects of academic and research careers.
- Symposium Presentation: Showcase your research findings by presenting at the prestigious SURF Symposium, offering a platform to share your work with peers, faculty, and professionals.
- Social Engagement:Â Enjoy a vibrant social community by participating in activities designed for bonding with fellow participants, and fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage in networking events, workshops, and seminars that connect you with professionals, researchers, and peers, expanding your professional network and creating lasting connections.
- Enhanced Communication Skills: Develop and refine your technical communication proficiency, a crucial skill for effectively conveying complex ideas, research findings, and insights in a professional context.
- $2500 housing allowance
- ​All external students receive the housing allowance.
- For Purdue students, they must apply by the priority deadline to be considered. If selected, they will be notified in their offer letter and the amount added to their biweekly compensation.
- Travel Reimbursement:Â External and Purdue-Indy students have access to a travel reimbursement of up to $1000. For external students, only those who apply by the priority deadline will be considered for this subsidy.Â
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 Purdue SURF program’s application form
- Upload your resume.
- Upload University transcript
Upload a PDF of your university transcript directly to the application system. The transcript must include your name, program of study, past courses with grades, and current course enrollments. - Submit Statement of Purpose
- External students are required to request a letter of recommendation from a professor or professional who you have worked closely with. The letter should be uploaded by the application deadline.
- Talk to Purdue professors about your research interests and potential opportunities in their lab.
- Review the SURF list of research projects with undergraduate research positions.
- You can indicate your interest in these projects directly on the application by selecting up to three projects. Additional projects will be posted as they become available.
