15 Bioengineering Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
If you are an undergraduate interested in bioengineering, an internship is one of the most effective ways to see how the field works outside the classroom. You can take part in projects that involve designing medical devices, testing drug delivery systems, analyzing biological data, or working in tissue engineering labs.
Internships also add weight to your CV. They demonstrate that you can apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, which is valuable when applying to graduate school or competing for jobs in biotech, healthcare, or research. Just as important, internships allow you to test your interests. You may discover that you enjoy the hands-on side of lab work, or that your strengths lie in computational approaches. This kind of clarity is hard to gain in the classroom alone.
To help you explore the possibilities, we have put together a list of 15 bioengineering internships for undergraduates! If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs! (Note: While some of the listed items below are research-focused, they still follow a structured lab-work or work-learn model)
15 Bioengineering Internships for Undergraduates
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective remote internship for university students, including those on a gap year. The program runs in multiple cohorts throughout the year, each lasting about eight weeks with a commitment of five to ten hours a week. You are matched with a startup in fields like AI, health tech, finance, consulting, or media, many of which are led by founders from top accelerators or major tech firms. During the internship, you work on a real project for the company, guided by both a startup manager and a Ladder Coach who supports you through the process. At the end, you present your deliverables and receive a letter of completion or reference.
2. Wake Forest University’s Biomedical Engineering and Informatics Summer Research Internship Program
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: Free; includes stipend and shared on-campus housing (travel not covered)
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and master’s students (18+), with at least two semesters completed. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students attending U.S. institutions on J-1 or F-1 visas may apply. Minimum GPA of 3.0 recommended.
The Biomedical Engineering and Informatics Summer Research Internship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is a 10-week paid program for undergraduate and master’s students interested in biomedical engineering, AI, and informatics. You’ll work on one of 40+ research projects funded by NSF, NIH, and KEEN, with topics like injury prediction, finite element modeling, cancer diagnostics, and machine learning in imaging. You’ll conduct lab-based research, attend seminars and bootcamps, and present your work at a final symposium.
Location: Remote (hosted by NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA)
Cost: Free; unpaid
Dates: Varies by term (Fall, Spring, Summer sessions available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens only. Available to undergraduate juniors and seniors, as well as master’s and doctoral students. Preferred majors include bioengineering, biomedical engineering, systems engineering, and related STEM disciplines.
The NASA Ames Bioengineering & Instrumentation Internship is a virtual research program for college juniors, seniors, and graduate students. You’ll help design a biofluidics system by working on sensors, software, circuits, and mechanical parts. The project focuses on lab automation and bioreactor technology. You’ll learn about experimental design and data analysis, and may contribute to a publication. The internship ends with a final presentation.
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Free; includes stipend and housing
Dates: Typically June – August
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Preference given to juniors; outstanding first-years and sophomores may be considered. Graduating seniors and Rutgers students are not eligible.
Rutgers Cellular Bioengineering REU is a hands-on summer research program for undergrads who want to explore how biology and engineering come together. You’ll join a lab at Rutgers University and work on projects like designing smart biomaterials, studying stem cells, or building tiny biosystems at the nanoscale. Some projects use computer modeling, others focus on lab experiments. You’ll get to brainstorm how your research could become a startup idea, and even build a business plan with guidance from mentors.
Location: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
Cost: Free; includes on-campus housing, $4,000 stipend, and up to $500 in travel assistance (U.S. only)
Dates: May 30 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Applicants must have completed their junior year by the program start. Outstanding sophomores may be considered; freshmen and graduating seniors are not eligible.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at Albert Einstein College of Medicine is an eight-week research experience for college students. You’ll be placed in a biomedical lab that matches your interests, working on real projects in areas like bioengineering or molecular biology. Each week includes faculty seminars, career workshops, and discussions about ethics in science. There are also fun social events like BBQs, student mixers, and a trip to the Bronx Zoo. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research in a poster session.
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free; includes $5,400 stipend, housing, travel to/from Boston, and conference travel sponsorship
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Applicants must be enrolled in a four-year U.S. college through Fall with a graduation date of December or later. Minimum 3.2 GPA required.
The Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP) is a nine-week internship for undergrads who are thinking about Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. paths in biomedical research. You’ll do full-time research in a lab at the Broad Institute, working on projects in areas like cancer, infectious diseases, or genomics. Some students focus on experiments, others on computer-based biology, depending on their interests. Outside the lab, the program offers workshops on science communication, how to apply to grad school, and seminars with top researchers from Harvard and MIT. There are also social events to help you connect with other students and mentors.
Location: Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Cost: Free; includes $7,000 stipend and up to $800 for travel expenses
Dates: Typically late May – early August (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Community college students and undergraduates in STEM fields are eligible.
The BioMaP REU at Iowa State University is a 10-week summer research program for undergrads interested in bioengineering, biotechnology, materials science, and biomedical research. You’ll join a lab and work on exciting projects like designing nanovaccines or using AI to study proteins. Some projects are hands-on in the lab, others use computer modeling. You’ll work closely with professors, grad students, and postdocs, and take part in seminars with other interns. You’ll also learn how to use advanced tools and techniques that are common in real research. Community college students are encouraged to apply, too.
Location: Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) or University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
Cost: Free; includes $6,500 stipend, housing, and up to $800 in travel support
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Applicants must be 18 years or older by the start of the program.
The MagLab REU is a 10-week summer research program for undergrads who want hands-on experience in science and engineering. It’s hosted by the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, with research opportunities at Florida State University or the University of Florida. You’ll be matched with a mentor and work on a focused project in areas like biology, physics, materials science, or magnet engineering. Alongside lab work, you’ll join weekly seminars and career workshops to learn more about life as a scientist or engineer.
Location: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Cost: Free; includes $5,500 stipend. On-campus housing partially covered (July only)
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Applicants must have completed at least their sophomore year and must not graduate before the program starts. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required.
SURIP is a 10-week summer research program at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. It’s designed for undergrads who are interested in biomedical research and thinking about Ph.D. programs. You’ll do full-time lab research with a mentor, attend weekly seminars and workshops, and share your findings at a final research symposium. One highlight is a trip to the NIH Graduate and Professional School Fair, where you’ll learn about different grad school options and meet people from top programs.
Location: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO
Cost: Free; includes $5,000 salary, round-trip travel, and housing
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 17
Eligibility: Open to U.S. and international students. Applicants must be 18+ and have completed at least one year of undergraduate study in a STEM-related major by the start of the program.
The Stowers Summer Scholars Program is an 8-week research internship for undergrads at the Stowers Institute in Kansas City. You’ll work full-time in a lab on a project in areas like genetics, neuroscience, developmental biology, or computational biology. You’ll be mentored by scientists and learn what it’s really like to do research in an academic lab. Each week includes seminars, career talks, and social events to help you connect with other interns and researchers. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your work in a campus-wide poster session.
Location: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free; includes $7,000 stipend, housing, and additional support for meals, travel, and computer equipment (*not guaranteed for Pitt students)
Dates: May 19 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Applicants must be undergraduate students majoring in STEM disciplines with an interest in computational biology. Full-time participation is required for the entire duration of the program.
The TECBio is a 10-week summer research program at the University of Pittsburgh for undergrads interested in computational biology. You’ll do full-time research with a faculty mentor, working on projects that explore biology from the molecular level up to systems like the immune response. Alongside your research, you’ll join workshops on ethics, scientific writing, and professional development. You’ll also take part in journal clubs, networking events, and a final symposium where you present your work.
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Free; no tuition or fees. Unpaid; housing and transportation are not provided
Dates: Summer: May 12 – August 1; Fall: August 18 – December 5; Spring: January 12 – April 24
Application Deadlines: Summer: February 12; Fall: May 23; Spring: October 9
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited U.S. institution. Undergraduates must be juniors or seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The Mayo Clinic Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering Internship is a semester-long, hands-on opportunity for undergraduate juniors/seniors and graduate students to explore technical careers in healthcare. You will be matched with a mentor to work on a clinical or research project in one of six specialty tracks: diagnostic or therapeutic medical physics, radiation safety, 3D anatomical modeling, early-stage medical innovations, or radiochemistry. The program includes training in research methodology, participation in ongoing investigations, and a final presentation of each student’s work.
Location: Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; or Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ
Cost: Free; participants receive a $6,000 stipend (housing and travel not included)
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Open to current U.S. college sophomores or juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students must be continuing their undergraduate studies in fall 2025. International students enrolled full-time at U.S. institutions are eligible to apply.
The Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a 10-week research program for undergrads who are thinking about a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. in biomedical science. You’ll be matched with a mentor and work on your research project in areas like immunology, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, or molecular pharmacology. You’ll spend most of your time in the lab doing hands-on work, but the program also includes seminars, career workshops, and support for grad school prep. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your research at a formal poster session.
Location: Greater St. Louis Area, MO
Cost: Free; includes $6,800 stipend
Dates: June 3 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Open to current WashU undergraduate biomedical engineering students. Preference is given to sophomores and juniors. International students are encouraged to apply.
The Washington University in St. Louis BME Summer Internship Program is a ten-week internship for undergraduate biomedical engineering students. You spend the summer working with technology and engineering companies in the Greater St. Louis area while also taking part in professional development activities like mock interviews, networking with host companies, and site visits. The program gives you direct experience in biomedical engineering and prepares you for roles in related industries.
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, MO, or University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free; includes $6,500 stipend, housing, and travel assistance (if eligible)
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are rising juniors or seniors enrolled in a science or engineering undergraduate program.
Undergraduate Experience in Biomechanics (UExB) is a 10-week summer research program hosted by the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB). You’ll be placed in a lab at either Washington University in St. Louis or the University of Pennsylvania. You’ll work on research projects in areas like biophysics, molecular biology, computational biology, and biomedical devices. You’ll attend weekly seminars, journal clubs, and workshops on ethics and professional development. You’ll also get training in scientific communication and have the chance to present your research at a fall conference.
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Lydia is currently a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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