NIST Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2027 | Paid STEM Research Fellowship in USA
Organization
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Duration
11 Weeks (Main SURF Program) Alternative 9-week and 11-week offsite programs are available at selected NIST laboratories.
Fellowship Amount
USD 7,810 (expected) for the 11-week SURF 2027 program. Eligible students may also receive travel assistance (up to USD 500). Limited financial assistance for housing may be available for eligible participants.
Age Limit
Minimum: 18 years
Overview
About the Organization
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a premier U.S. federal research agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST advances innovation through measurement science, standards, and technology. Its laboratories conduct world-class research across engineering, physics, chemistry, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and other scientific disciplines.
Fellowship Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) |
| Fellowship | Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2027 |
| Location | Various NIST Laboratories (USA) |
| Mode | Offline (In-person) |
| Fellowship Type | Paid Summer Research Fellowship |
| Duration | 11 Weeks (Main Program) |
| Eligible Candidates | Undergraduate Students |
| Weekly Stipend | Expected USD 7,810 (11-week program) |
| Travel Support | Available for eligible participants |
| Housing Assistance | Guidance provided |
| Application Mode | Online |
Why Apply?
Participants receive:
- Research under internationally recognized scientists.
- Practical laboratory experience.
- Hands-on STEM research exposure.
- Professional mentoring.
- Graduate school preparation.
- Networking with researchers.
- Research presentation opportunities.
- Prestigious federal research experience.
- Competitive stipend.
- Career development in science and engineering.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. college/university.
- Be an undergraduate student.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be available full-time during the program.
- Complete required program documentation.
- Possess health insurance.
- Receive payments through direct deposit.
Eligibility Criteria
- Full-time undergraduate student.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Enrolled in accredited 2-year or 4-year institution.
- Good academic standing.
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Able to work approximately 40 hours per week.
- Interested in STEM research.
- Meet all program requirements.
Fellowship & Internship Details
Fellowship Amount
- Expected USD 7,810 for the 11-week program (2027 estimate).
- Additional travel assistance (up to approximately USD 500) for eligible participants.
- Limited housing assistance information is provided.
Duration
- Main Program: 11 weeks
- 9-Week Program: June–August (selected labs)
- 11-Week Offsite Program: June–August
Age Limit
- Minimum 18 years
- No upper age limit specified.
Test Scores Accepted
- None specified.
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Full-time undergraduate student.
- Enrolled in accredited U.S. institution.
- STEM discipline.
- Able to work full-time during the fellowship.
- Health insurance required.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Announcement | Mid-October 2026 (Expected) |
| Application Deadline | End of January 2027 (Expected) |
| Main Program | May 27 – August 7, 2027 |
| 9-week Program | June – August 2027 |
| 11-week Offsite Program | June 8 – August 21, 2027 |
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Visit the official SURF application portal.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit documents preferably as PDF files.
- Apply before the application deadline.
Selection Process
Selection is generally based on:
- Academic performance.
- Eligibility verification.
- Research interests.
- Application quality.
- Laboratory matching.
- Faculty/NIST scientist review.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Mid-October 2026 |
| Last Date | End of January 2027 (Expected) |
| Program Starts | May 27, 2027 |
| Program Ends | August 7, 2027 |
Advertisement URLs
Official Program Page:
https://www.nist.gov/surf
Financial Support
Fellowship Amount: USD 7,810 (expected) for the 11-week SURF 2027 program. Eligible students may also receive travel assistance (up to USD 500). Limited financial assistance for housing may be available for eligible participants.
Eligibility Criteria
Must be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university.
Should be pursuing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline.
Must be available to work approximately 40 hours per week during the fellowship.
Must have health insurance.
Must be eligible to receive payments through direct deposit.
Must be 18 years or older before the program begins.
Important Dates
| 0 | Vacancy Announcement: Expected Mid-October 2026 |
| 1 | Application Deadline: Expected End of January 2027 |
| 2 | Main 11-Week Program: May 27 – August 7, 2027 |
| 3 | 9-Week Program: June – August 2027 |
| 4 | Offsite 11-Week Program: June 8 – August 21, 2027 |
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