Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
The Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a competitive 10-week research program at The Rockefeller University in New York City. Established to cultivate the next generation of scientific researchers, SURF places outstanding college sophomores and juniors into active laboratories where they work alongside world-class faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students.
Unlike many summer programs that operate through structured coursework, SURF emphasizes authentic research experience. Each participant is matched with a mentor who designs and supervises an individualized project aligned with the student’s stated interests. This model ensures that fellows contribute meaningfully to ongoing research while developing technical and analytical skills essential for graduate study and scientific careers.
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What the Fellowship Covers
SURF provides substantial financial and logistical support to remove barriers to participation:
- Stipend: $6,500.00 for the full 10-week period
- Housing: Free accommodation provided for students who cannot commute to the Manhattan campus
- Research placement: Centralized matching with laboratories through the Dean’s Office—no need to secure your own position
- Mentorship: Direct supervision by faculty, postdocs, or graduate students
The program runs from June 7 through August 13, 2027. Fellows are expected to commit to the full duration.
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Eligibility Requirements
SURF welcomes applications from highly motivated undergraduates who meet the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled as a sophomore or junior in college
- Majoring in the life sciences or physical sciences
- Strong academic record with demonstrated scientific aptitude
- International students are eligible to apply—this explicitly includes applicants from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and other SADC nations
No prior research experience is strictly required, though applicants with completed or ongoing research projects may strengthen their applications through detailed discussion of this work.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete dossier through the online portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Required Documents
- Online application form: Submitted via the SURF portal
- Two-page single-spaced summary statement covering:
- Academic background
- Scientific interests
- Research experience (if any)
- Career goals
- How you would contribute to and benefit from SURF
- Official transcript: Uploaded as part of the online application
- Two letters of recommendation: Preferably from professors or mentors who can evaluate your performance in research contexts. These are critical to selection and should be submitted online
If recommenders cannot submit online, letters must be mailed in separate sealed envelopes, signed across the seal, to:
Office of Graduate Studies
The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue, Box 177
New York, NY 10065-6399
Research Areas and Laboratory Placement
Rockefeller University is exclusively a graduate-level biomedical research institution with laboratories spanning molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, structural biology, and related fields. SURF applicants may state preferences for particular laboratories or research areas, though specific placement cannot be guaranteed.
Placement is centralized through the Dean’s Office. Applicants should not contact faculty directly to arrange their own positions. For detailed information on faculty research, visit the “Our Scientists” section of the Rockefeller University website.
Selection Process and Timeline
Applications are reviewed in the order received, so early submission is advantageous.
- Application deadline: February 1, 2027
- Notification: Mid-March 2027
- Program dates: June 7 – August 13, 2027
Applicants must ensure they can be contacted during the first two weeks of March, as this is when final decisions are communicated.
Advice for African Applicants
For students from Zimbabwe and SADC countries, several practical considerations apply:
- Visa requirements: International fellows typically require J-1 exchange visitor visas. Begin documentation early, as U.S. visa processing can take several weeks
- Transcript submission: Ensure your university registrar provides official transcripts in English or with certified translations
- Recommendation letters: Contact professors well in advance. Explain the program’s competitiveness and provide your summary statement to help them write specific, detailed letters
- Research interests: Review Rockefeller faculty profiles thoroughly. Specific, informed statements about particular laboratories strengthen applications more than generic interest in “biomedical research”
- Housing: If you accept the free housing option, confirm arrival logistics with the Graduate Studies Office
Why SURF Matters for Your Career
A SURF fellowship signals to graduate admissions committees that you have survived a selective process and thrived in a top-tier research environment. Rockefeller’s reputation in the life sciences—particularly in areas like immunology and neuroscience—provides access to networks that extend far beyond the summer. For African students seeking to build international research connections or position themselves for PhD programs in North America or Europe, SURF offers rare institutional credibility.
Official scholarship page: https://www.rockefeller.edu/education-and-training/surf/application-information/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
