Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) General is a competitive, fully funded research fellowship designed to prepare undergraduate students for graduate education and careers in academic research and teaching. Hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Office of Graduate Education, the program provides hands-on research experience, mentorship, and professional development over ten intensive weeks.
The 2027 program runs from June 7 to August 7, 2027. Participants work directly with MIT faculty and graduate students on cutting-edge research projects, gaining exposure to MIT’s research environment and building networks that support their academic advancement.
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Eligibility Requirements
Academic Criteria
- Minimum 3.5 overall or major GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at a U.S. institution of higher education (excluding MIT)
- Sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior status with at least two academic years of college coursework completed
- Students must not graduate before December 2027
- Interest in pursuing a graduate degree in MIT graduate programs (Sloan professional programs including MBA, EMBA, and LGO are excluded)
- Genuine interest in academic research and/or teaching careers
Citizenship and Visa Status
MSRP accepts applications from:
- U.S. citizens
- Permanent residents
- Non-U.S. citizens with DACA status
- International students with appropriate visa and work authorizations
Special Requirements for International Students
International students on F-1 visas face additional requirements. They must obtain work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) from their home institution before the program begins. CPT authorization guidance changed significantly in August 2026, so applicants should contact their International Students Office immediately to determine if MSRP qualifies as mandatory CPT under current guidelines.
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CPT or OPT approval must be secured by May 15, 2027. International students must study at U.S.-based institutions; satellite campuses abroad, study abroad programs, hybrid programs, or any arrangement with instruction outside the U.S. do not meet eligibility requirements.
Priority Applicants
MSRP strongly encourages applications from students with demonstrated need and diverse life experiences, including:
- Students from non-traditional educational pathways, including rural, urban, or under-resourced communities and institutions with lower graduate school matriculation rates
- Students who have overcome economic, social, or educational barriers, including first-generation college students and those with limited access to academic resources
- Students with demonstrated leadership in promoting belonging and inclusion through mentoring, advocacy, community organizing, or peer support
- Students with research interests focusing on underserved populations and issues of inequality
Application Process
Key Dates
- Application opens: September 29, 2026
- Application deadline: January 19, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET
- Program dates: June 7 – August 7, 2027
Required Application Materials
Complete applications consist of four components:
- Essay Questions: Responses covering your academic journey, barriers faced, research interests, and how MSRP will accelerate your path to graduate education. All questions are mandatory.
- CV (Curriculum Vitae): Current CV including education, research experience, skills, publications (if any), and relevant activities or leadership roles. Limit to 1–2 pages.
- Unofficial Transcript: Unlocked transcript from your institution. Locked or password-protected transcripts will result in automatic disqualification. Contact your registrar to ensure accessibility before submission.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: From faculty, research mentors, or supervisors who can speak to academic ability, research potential, and character. Recommenders submit directly through the system.
Important Submission Rules
All materials, including both letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the January 19, 2027 deadline. Applications submitted after 11:59 PM ET will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for ensuring recommenders submit on time—MIT cannot extend deadlines for missing letters.
Do not submit extra letters. Only the first two letters received will be reviewed. Additional letters will not strengthen your application.
Program Exclusions
MSRP General does not accept applications for research in MIT’s Biology department or Brain & Cognitive Sciences department. Students interested in these fields should apply directly to MSRP Biology/BCS, a separate program with its own application process.
Information Sessions
Prospective applicants can attend virtual information sessions to learn about the program and application process:
- Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET
Registration is required through the program website.
Additional Opportunities
The Office of Graduate Education encourages students to apply to multiple summer programs. The Pathways to Science database lists over 1,000 research opportunities for U.S. citizens and non-citizens at all education levels.
Non-Discrimination Policy
MIT prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. MSRP is open to students of all backgrounds and does not consider protected characteristics in admission decisions.
Official scholarship page: https://oge.mit.edu/msrp/application/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
