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United States Undergraduate Fully Funded

Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research Program 2027 | Summer Research Fellowship

The Santa Fe Institute's Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) program offers a 10-week immersive research experience in complexity science for motivated undergraduate students. The program emphasizes independent learning, collaborative research, and mentorship from leading scientists.

November 14, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: May 30, 2027

Quick Overview

Host CountryUnited States
University/OrgSanta Fe Institute
Degree LevelUndergraduate
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyBiology, Complexity Science, Computer Science, Interdisciplinary research, Physics
DeadlineMay 30, 2027

Scholarship Overview

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Program Overview

The Santa Fe Institute (SFI) Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) program is a competitive summer research fellowship designed for curious, self-motivated students who thrive in both independent and team-based environments. Running for 10 weeks, the program immerses participants in the study of complex systems—interdisciplinary research spanning physics, biology, computer science, economics, and social sciences.

The program structure emphasizes hands-on research mentorship. The first two weeks are critical for orientation, meeting potential mentors, and defining a summer project. Participants then work closely with SFI researchers to develop and execute research projects that can be meaningfully addressed within the program timeframe.

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What Makes a Strong Applicant

SFI seeks students who demonstrate specific capabilities rather than specific academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically show:

  • Ability to teach themselves new material and follow through on independent ideas
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Capacity to work effectively in collaborative teams
  • Logical and creative thinking about research questions
  • Genuine intellectual curiosity about complex systems and interdisciplinary problems

Prior research experience is not required. The program is designed to introduce undergraduates to research, making it accessible to students at early stages of their academic careers.

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Eligibility Requirements

Academic Status

To qualify, you must be:

  • Actively enrolled part-time or full-time in a degree program leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
  • Intending to continue undergraduate enrollment for at least one additional academic term after the program ends in August
  • From either two-year or four-year institutions, including transfer students

Not eligible: Students who will complete their degree before the program ends; students not returning to undergraduate study after August; high school graduates who have not started college coursework; individuals who have already completed an undergraduate degree.

Integrated/Dual-Degree Programs

Students in combined B.S./M.S. programs may apply if they remain in the undergraduate portion and will return to undergraduate enrollment for at least one more term after summer. Those who have effectively completed the bachelor’s portion are ineligible.

Priority Consideration

While students at all undergraduate stages may apply, priority is typically given to those entering their junior or senior year of a four-year program.

International Applicants and African Students

The UCR program welcomes applications from any individual whose citizenship or residency makes them eligible to work in the United States. This is determined by federal U.S. government regulations, not by SFI policy.

For African applicants specifically: SFI does not provide individual guidance on work authorization until the final round of selection (February/March). You must independently determine your eligibility to work in the U.S. before applying.

Visa Pathways

  • International students at U.S. institutions: Typically participate under F-1 status through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), arranged through your home university’s international student office
  • International students enrolled outside the U.S.: SFI can sponsor a short-term J-1 visa for eligible participants
  • Not available: SFI does not sponsor H-1B visas

Application Requirements

Applications are submitted exclusively through SurveyMonkey Apply. A complete application includes:

  • Biographical information: Completed directly in the portal
  • Academic CV or résumé: Current version highlighting relevant experience
  • Research statements: Written responses to two prompts, including a one-page project proposal
  • Unofficial transcripts: From each college or university attended
  • One letter of recommendation: From a professor, mentor, or advisor who knows your work

Research Statement Guidelines

Your one-page research statement serves two purposes: demonstrating what excites you intellectually, and showing how you think through problems. SFI does not expect prior research experience, formal project design training, or technical detail.

Include:

  • A clear question or target (e.g., “I want to understand how X influences Y”)
  • A plausible path forward (e.g., “I would compare variables A, B, and C”)
  • Why your proposed approach fits the question

Specificity in reasoning matters more than technical jargon. You need not name specific datasets, statistical tests, or algorithms.

Transcript Requirements

  • Unofficial transcripts are sufficient; official transcripts not required
  • Must list all completed and in-progress courses with grades/marks
  • Non-English transcripts require an English cover page translation
  • If fall grades are unavailable, provide a list of enrolled courses

Important: Updated grades or additional documents submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed.

Application Timeline and Process

The application process follows a structured timeline:

  • Applications must be completed and submitted before the posted deadline through the SurveyMonkey Apply portal
  • Late or incomplete applications are not reviewed
  • After initial review, selected finalists are invited to short individual interviews via Zoom
  • All applicants receive status updates via email in March, including those not selected as finalists

Recommendation letter timing: Contact your recommender immediately when you begin your application. A missing letter can delay an otherwise strong application.

Program Logistics and Commitment

All participants must arrive on the official first day of the program. Late arrivals are not permitted due to the critical nature of the first two weeks for orientation and project development.

If you have scheduling conflicts, consult the FAQs on Applying section of the SFI website before submitting your application.

Contact and Resources

Before applying, review:

  • UCR program information pages on the SFI website
  • Education Programs FAQ

All application inquiries should be directed to: education@santafe.edu

For technical support with the application portal, visit: https://help.surveymonkey.com/en/apply/faqs/supported-browsers/

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Official scholarship page: https://www.santafe.edu/engage/learn/programs/undergraduate-complexity-research/applying

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Funding Coverage

Not specified in published materials; program provides full support for participation including accommodation and stipend (specific amounts not published)

Eligibility Criteria

Current undergraduate students actively enrolled in associate's or bachelor's degree programs who intend to return for at least one additional term after the program ends. Students from two-year and four-year institutions eligible, including transfer students. Priority given to juniors and seniors. Must be eligible to work in the U.S. High school graduates not yet in college, students completing degrees before program end, and those not returning to undergraduate study are ineligible.

Required Documents

Biographical information; current academic CV or résumé; research statements including one-page project proposal; unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended; one letter of recommendation from professor, mentor, or advisor

Application Process

1) Review UCR program information and Education Programs FAQ. 2) Confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. 3) Gather documents including CV, transcripts, and contact recommender. 4) Complete research statement with project proposal. 5) Submit application through SurveyMonkey Apply portal before deadline. 6) Selected finalists interviewed via Zoom. 7) Receive status update via email in March.
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. Prior research experience is not required. The UCR program is designed to introduce undergraduates to research, and SFI explicitly welcomes applicants at all stages of their undergraduate careers.
Yes, but you must be eligible to work in the U.S. under federal regulations. SFI can sponsor a short-term J-1 visa for eligible international participants enrolled outside the U.S. SFI does not provide individual guidance on work authorization until the final selection round (February/March), so you should independently assess your eligibility before applying.
The specific deadline is not published in the available materials. You should monitor the Santa Fe Institute website for the current application cycle dates, as deadlines vary by year.
The program is competitive and receives applications from students worldwide. Priority is typically given to students entering their junior or senior year. Selection emphasizes intellectual curiosity, self-directed learning ability, and collaborative skills rather than specific technical backgrounds. The interview stage for finalists indicates strong consideration, but specific acceptance rates are not published.
Specific funding details including stipend amounts are not published in the available materials. The program is described as providing full support for participation, which typically includes housing, meals, and a stipend for the 10-week period, but you should confirm current details directly with SFI.
No. Late arrivals are strictly not allowed. The first two weeks are critical for orientation, meeting potential mentors, and defining your summer project. If you have scheduling conflicts, consult the FAQs on Applying section of the SFI website before submitting your application.

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