MIT Summer Research Program 2027

Applications are open for the 2027 MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP), a competitive summer research opportunity for undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate education and careers in academic research. Hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, the programme provides participants with an opportunity to work alongside leading researchers, develop practical research skills and explore pathways to advanced study.

The programme is organised by MIT's Office of Graduate Education and is designed to broaden participation in graduate education and research. Selected students spend nine weeks conducting supervised research under the guidance of MIT faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and advanced graduate students.

The 2027 programme will run from June 7 to August 7, 2027. Participants receive financial support covering a weekly stipend, round trip travel, university accommodation and a meal subsidy. They also benefit from academic advising, professional development activities and opportunities to present their research.

About the MIT Summer Research Program

Launched in 1986, the MIT Summer Research Program was established to help talented undergraduate students gain access to research opportunities and prepare for graduate education.

The programme seeks students whose academic experiences, interests and backgrounds can benefit from an intensive research experience at MIT. It places particular emphasis on students who have demonstrated academic potential despite economic, social or educational barriers.

Participants are matched with research mentors and work on projects across a range of scientific, technological, engineering, mathematical, social science and interdisciplinary fields.

The programme aims to help students understand the demands of graduate study, strengthen their research capabilities and build relationships with researchers who can guide their future academic development.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants receive financial, academic and professional support throughout the programme.

Benefits include:

• Weekly financial stipend.
• Round trip travel to MIT.
• University housing for the full nine week programme.
• Meal subsidy.
• Supervised research experience with MIT faculty and research teams.
• Access to advanced research laboratories and facilities.
• Individual academic and graduate school advising.
• Professional development seminars and faculty research presentations.
• Opportunities to contribute to publishable research and potentially co author scientific papers.
• Support in developing research abstracts, papers and graduate school statements of purpose.
• Access to MIT libraries, athletic facilities and health services.
• Opportunities to present research at a final poster symposium.

There is no programme participation fee. The weekly stipend and other support are intended to help participants focus on their research experience.

Research Areas and Participating Departments

The MIT Summer Research Program offers research opportunities across multiple academic disciplines and departments.

Participating areas include:

• Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Architecture
• Biological Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Computational and Systems Biology
• Computational Science and Engineering
• Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
• Economics
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• History, Anthropology and Science, Technology, and Society
• Linguistics
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Media Arts and Sciences
• Nuclear Science and Engineering
• Operations Research
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Transportation
• Urban Studies and Planning

Eligibility Requirements

The MIT Summer Research Program has specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet the academic, enrolment and citizenship or immigration conditions.

To qualify for MSRP 2027, applicants must:

• Have a minimum overall or major GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be enrolled full time in a degree granting programme at a U.S. institution of higher education located in the United States or its territories, excluding MIT.
• Be a sophomore, junior or non graduating senior.
• Have completed at least two academic years of college coursework. Credits earned during high school do not count towards this requirement.
• Not be scheduled to graduate before December 2027.
• Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a graduate degree in one of MIT's graduate programmes.
• Have a genuine interest in a career in academic research or teaching.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, non U.S. citizen with DACA, or international student with appropriate visa and work authorisation.

First year students from selected undergraduate institutions may qualify through the Leadership Alliance's James H. Wyche First Year Research Program (FYRE), which has separate eligibility conditions.

International Student Eligibility

International students may apply if they are enrolled at a qualifying institution located in the United States and meet all other programme requirements.

Students studying in the United States on an F-1 visa must obtain work authorisation through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) before beginning the programme.

MIT states that international applicants must have their CPT or OPT approval by May 15, 2027. The university also advises students to contact their institution's international student office as soon as possible because CPT authorisation guidance changed in August 2026.

International students enrolled at institutions outside the United States are not eligible. Studying through a U.S. university's overseas satellite campus, an overseas study programme or an arrangement involving instruction outside the United States does not satisfy the requirement.

Who Is Encouraged to Apply?

Although MSRP is open to students from all backgrounds who meet its eligibility requirements, MIT particularly encourages applications from students who have experienced barriers to accessing research and graduate education.

These include:

• Students from rural, urban or under resourced educational communities.
• First generation college students.
• Students who have faced economic, social or educational disadvantages.
• Students with limited access to academic research resources.
• Students who have demonstrated leadership in promoting inclusion and belonging in academic environments.
• Students whose research interests focus on underserved populations and inequality.

Applicants should use their essays to explain their academic journey, experiences, research interests and how participation in MSRP would support their future goals.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of four main components:

1. Essay Questions

Applicants must answer all required essay questions. These cover their academic journey, challenges and barriers, research interests, and reasons for wanting to participate in the programme.

2. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit an updated CV of one to two pages. It should highlight education, research experience, technical skills, publications where applicable, leadership roles and relevant activities.

3. Unofficial Academic Transcript

An unofficial transcript from the applicant's current institution is required. The transcript must be unlocked and accessible. Password protected or locked transcripts will not be accepted.

4. Two Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must request two recommendation letters from faculty members, research mentors or supervisors who can discuss their academic ability, research potential and personal qualities.

The recommenders submit their letters directly through the application system. Both letters must arrive by the application deadline. MIT will not review incomplete applications, and additional recommendation letters beyond the required two will not strengthen an application.

How to Apply

Eligible students should apply through the official MIT application portal.

1. Review the eligibility requirements: Confirm that you meet the GPA, academic standing, enrolment and citizenship or immigration requirements.
2. Explore the research areas: Review the participating departments and identify the areas that align with your academic interests and future graduate study plans.
3. Prepare your application materials: Develop your essays, update your CV and obtain an unlocked unofficial transcript.
4. Request two recommendation letters: Contact suitable faculty members, research mentors or supervisors early and ensure they can submit their letters before the deadline.
5. Complete the online application: Visit the official MIT MSRP application page and follow the instructions to submit all required information.
6. Check your application status: Confirm that your documents and both recommendation letters have been received before the deadline.
7. Monitor your email: Applicants will be notified of admission decisions by March 31, 2027.

Applications must be complete by the stated deadline. MIT does not accept late applications or missing recommendation letters.