Who can apply: This programme is only for undergraduates enrolled full-time at a university in the United States. Students at universities in Africa can’t apply, even through exchange or study-abroad schemes. However, African students already studying at a US university are eligible, as long as they can get work authorisation (CPT or OPT) through their university. If you’re studying in Africa, see the related opportunities open to Africans at the end.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is accepting applications for the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) 2027. Selected undergraduates spend nine weeks on MIT’s campus doing research with MIT faculty, with a weekly stipend, housing, a meal subsidy and round-trip travel covered. The programme runs from 7 June to 7 August 2027.
The deadline is 19 January 2027 at 11:59pm US Eastern Time, including recommendation letters.
At a Glance
| Host | MIT Office of Graduate Education |
| Programme | MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) 2027 |
| Dates | 7 June – 7 August 2027, on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Support | Weekly stipend, housing, meal subsidy and round-trip travel |
| Who can apply | Full-time undergraduates at US universities (international students included) |
| Deadline | 19 January 2027, 11:59pm ET |
| Decisions | By 31 March 2027 |
Benefits
- Mentored research with an MIT faculty member, supported by a postdoc or advanced graduate student
- A weekly stipend, housing, a meal subsidy and round-trip travel to MIT
- The chance to contribute to publishable research and possibly co-author a paper
- Individual advising on graduate school and research careers
- Weekly faculty research talks and professional development seminars
- Access to MIT’s laboratories, libraries, sports facilities and health services
- An abstract, research paper, graduate school statement of purpose and a final poster presentation
MIT doesn’t publish the stipend amount.
Eligibility
- A full-time student in a degree programme at a US university located in the US or its territories (not MIT).
- A sophomore, junior or non-graduating senior with at least two academic years of college completed, not graduating before December 2027.
- A GPA of 3.5 or higher is typical. MIT’s FAQ says strong applicants below 3.5, such as those with an upward trend in grades, will still be considered.
- Interest in a graduate degree at MIT (not Sloan professional programmes such as the MBA) and a career in academic research or teaching.
- A US citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, or international student with the right visa and work authorisation.
Rules for International (Including African) Students
- You must be studying inside the US. Satellite campuses abroad, study-abroad, hybrid and exchange arrangements don’t qualify.
- F-1 students must get CPT or OPT work authorisation from their own university, approved by 15 May 2027.
- MIT notes that CPT guidance changed in August 2026, so speak to your International Students Office early.
- Students completing their degree at a university outside the US aren’t eligible.
How to Apply
- Check your eligibility on MIT’s official MSRP page (link below).
- Explore MIT departments and the list of interested faculty mentors. Choose your top three faculty preferences, but don’t contact faculty directly about admission.
- Arrange two recommendation letters, at least one from a faculty member. If you’ve done research before, one must come from your research supervisor.
- Complete the online application, including the essay questions and transcript.
- Submit everything, including letters, by 19 January 2027, 11:59pm ET.
Students interested in biology, biomedical sciences or neuroscience should apply through MSRP Biology/BCS instead, which is linked from the official page.
Official MSRP eligibility and application page · MSRP FAQs
Questions: [email protected]
Tips
- Start the CPT/OPT conversation now if you’re an international student. It’s the step most likely to delay you.
- Tell your story. MSRP prioritises students who have overcome barriers or come from non-traditional pathways, such as first-generation students.
- Be specific about research. Name the MIT labs or topics that interest you and why.
- Remind your referees to check spam folders for MIT’s request email.
