15 Mathematics Internships for Undergraduates

If you’re an undergraduate student studying mathematics or planning to pursue math in your career ahead, doing an internship can help you see how the subject applies in real settings. A math internship allows you to work on practical problems, apply theories you’ve learned in class, and build skills that employers and graduate programs look for. 

You might work with data, create models, or support research in fields such as finance, engineering, computer science, or public policy. These internships also help you connect with professionals and researchers who use math daily in their work. You’ll learn how mathematical thinking contributes to industries like technology, economics, and research, while also strengthening your analytical and problem-solving skills.

To help you find the right opportunity, we’ve compiled a list of 15 mathematics internships for undergraduates!

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Cost: Varies by the program. Financial aid is available 

Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).

Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!

Ladder Internships is a selective virtual program where high school and college students work with global startups and nonprofits on real-world projects. You’re matched with an organization in industries like tech, AI, health, journalism, or social impact, and take on a project that directly supports their current needs. Throughout the internship, you work closely with your startup manager, gaining mentorship and practical experience in areas such as product development, marketing, data analysis, or business strategy. At the end of the program, you present your work to the organization, showcasing your contributions and what you’ve learned.

2. UC Berkeley SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship)

Location: University of California, Berkeley

Cost/Stipend: $5,000 stipend (with $500 reserved for completion)

Application Deadline: March 14, 12:00 NOON (Pacific Time) 

Program Dates: Seven weeks in summer (full-time research)

Eligibility: Undergraduates in UC Berkeley’s College of Letters & Science with junior or senior standing and a minimum 3.0 GPA; international and AB540 students are eligible

The Berkeley SURF program is a seven-week full-time summer research experience for undergraduates. You design your own project and work with a faculty mentor. If you focus on mathematics, you can explore areas like data analysis, theoretical modeling, or applied math. You join a small group of students in related fields and meet regularly to share progress and ideas. The program includes workshops on research writing, presenting, and applying to graduate school. At the end, you submit a written report or thesis and present your work at the SURF conference.

3. Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) -  Argonne National Laboratory

Location: Lemont, IL

Stipend: $650/week (plus $250/week for on-campus residents); housing and travel covered

Program Dates: 10 weeks in summer

Application Deadline: January 8

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled as undergraduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA

The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) at Argonne National Laboratory is a ten-week summer research experience focused on applied mathematics and computational science. You work full-time in a Department of Energy lab alongside staff scientists, contributing to projects in areas such as mathematical modeling, large-scale computation, and algorithm development. You gain hands-on experience with national lab research methods and build skills useful for graduate study or future work in applied math and computing.

4. Jane Street Summer Internships

Location: New York, NY; London, UK; Hong Kong

Cost/Stipend: Interns receive a highly competitive stipend, free meals, travel reimbursement, and housing support.

Program Dates: 10–12 weeks, May–September

Application Deadline: Varies by role and location, but many summer roles open in July and close by October

Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in a degree program

Jane Street’s summer internship lets you use maths in real-world trading and research. You join a team where decisions are based on models, algorithms, and computation. You might build probabilistic models, improve trading strategies, or test ideas using machine learning. You work with mentors and attend lectures and coding workshops. You use languages like OCaml, Python, or C++ to solve problems. The internship helps you apply maths in finance and gives you experience with both theory and implementation. 

5. University of Washington Bothell Mathematics REU

Location: Bothell, Washington

Cost/Stipend: A $3000 stipend; housing and travel support provided

Program Dates: June 23 – August 15 (8 weeks)

Application Deadline: February 9

Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are US citizens or permanent residents

The University of Washington Bothell Mathematics REU is a summer research program focused on number theory, probability, and mathematical biology. You work in small groups with faculty mentors, solving open-ended problems and developing results for presentation. You build skills in proof-writing, computation, and modeling. The program includes workshops on research communication and graduate school planning. You also join social activities that help you connect with other students in mathematics.

6. Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) at IPAM

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Cost/Stipend: Stipend, housing, and travel support provided

Program Dates: June 23 – August 22

Application Deadline: February 3

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a strong background in mathematics

The Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) program at IPAM is a nine-week summer experience where you work on a small team to solve problems from industry sponsors. Projects focus on applied mathematics, modeling, and computation. You analyze data, design algorithms, or build simulations with support from both faculty and company mentors. Final results are shared through written reports and formal presentations to the sponsor. Along the way, you build skills in coding, project management, and research communication. The program connects academic math with real-world industry work.

7. University of Maryland Mathematics ROUs

Location: College Park, MD

Cost & Stipend: Paid internships

Program Dates: Varies

Application Deadline: Varies based on the opportunity

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a strong mathematical background

The University of Maryland Mathematics ROUs are summer research opportunities for undergraduates focused on pure and applied mathematics. Areas of research include combinatorics, number theory, differential equations, mathematical modeling, and computational mathematics. You work in small groups under faculty mentorship, tackling open-ended problems and developing original results. The program includes regular research group meetings, seminars led by faculty and guest speakers, and technical workshops on topics such as LaTeX, mathematical writing, and presentation skills. 

8. University of Chicago Mathematics REU

Location: Chicago, IL

Cost & Stipend: Stipend and housing provided for non-UChicago students

Program Dates: June 16 – August 8 (full program); June 16 – July 18 (Apprentice program)

Application Deadline: February 7

Eligibility: Undergraduate students, both UChicago and non-UChicago students

The University of Chicago Mathematics REU is a summer research program for undergraduates interested in independent mathematical research. You choose your own topic and work closely with faculty and graduate mentors to develop original results. The full program lasts eight weeks, while the five-week Apprentice track is available for students with less experience. Both tracks focus on writing and presenting research papers. You attend group meetings and mentorship sessions that support collaboration and help you improve your technical communication. 

9. Microsoft Undergraduate Research Internship

Location: Redmond, WA, and other Microsoft Research locations

Cost & Stipend: Paid internship

Program Dates: Typically May – July; 12 weeks

Application Deadline: October 6

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in undergraduate programs (computer/information sciences and related fields), with a focus on diversity

The Microsoft Research Undergraduate Research Internship is a summer program focused on computing research. You work with Microsoft researchers on projects in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. You help design experiments, analyze results, and present your findings using mathematical and computational methods. Mentors guide your technical and professional growth. You attend workshops on research communication and reproducibility, and join networking events with peers and industry experts. 

10. David Harold Blackwell Summer Research Institute at UCLA

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Cost & Stipend: Housing ($7,000) and travel ($600 + $200 for travel to Berkeley) support provided

Program Dates: June 16 – July 25; 6 weeks

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a focus on underrepresented groups in mathematics

The David Harold Blackwell Summer Research Institute at UCLA is a six-week research program focused on applied probability, analysis, and theoretical computer science. You work on individual or group projects under faculty mentorship, using advanced mathematical techniques to solve open problems and prepare a final presentation. The program includes seminars, problem-solving sessions, and workshops on research writing, graduate school preparation, and professional development. You build skills in proof-writing, modeling, and analysis while connecting with peers and faculty in mathematics.

11. PCMI Undergraduate Summer School at the Institute for Advanced Study

Location: Park City, UT

Cost & Stipend: Stipend and housing provided

Program Dates: July 6 – July 26

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Undergraduate students at all levels, including recent graduates

The PCMI Undergraduate Summer School immerses you in Probabilistic and Extremal Combinatorics over three weeks. You will attend lectures by leading mathematicians and engage in experimental math labs, applying combinatorial techniques to challenging problems. The program focuses on hands-on exploration, fostering the development of problem-solving, proofreading, and analytical skills. Collaborative projects and discussions encourage networking with graduate students and researchers, providing connections important for academic and professional growth.

12. Summer@ICERM at Brown University

Location: Providence, RI

Cost & Stipend: $3,500 stipend; room, board, and travel funding provided

Program Dates: June 9 – July 25

Application Deadline: February 4

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a background in mathematics or related fields

Summer@ICERM at Brown University is an eight-week research program focused on interdisciplinary mathematics. You work in small groups on projects that combine math with data science and sustainability topics. Faculty mentors and teaching assistants guide your work, helping you apply computational methods, modeling, and problem-solving techniques. You are encouraged to produce a research poster or paper, with possible opportunities for publication or conference presentation. The program builds skills in both theoretical and applied mathematics through hands-on experience.

13. Pioneer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at The University of Texas at Dallas

Location: Richardson, TX

Cost & Stipend: $4,000 stipend; housing and board provided

Program Dates: June 7 – August 2

Application Deadline: May 10

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; preference for students who have not previously participated in UTD REUs

The Pioneer REU at UT Dallas is an eight-week summer research program for undergraduates focused on advanced mathematics. You work directly with faculty mentors on original projects in areas such as algebra, combinatorics, and topology. The program includes regular group meetings and mentorship sessions to support your progress. You build skills in proof-writing, problem-solving, and mathematical communication. At the end of the program, you present your research at a public poster session. 

14. Auburn University REU in Algebra and Discrete Mathematics

Location: Auburn, AL

Program Dates: May 27 – July 18

Stipend: $4,500 stipend; free on-campus housing provided; travel and food expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

Application Deadline: Priority consideration for applications received by February 28

Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are undergraduate students with a graduation date of August or later. Self-funded students are also encouraged to apply.

The Auburn University REU in Algebra and Discrete Mathematics is an eight-week summer research program for undergraduates. It begins with a two-week introduction to open problems in areas such as group theory, graph theory, and combinatorics. You then join a small group to work on a selected problem under faculty mentorship. The program focuses on collaboration and problem-solving. You build skills in proof-writing, mathematical reasoning, and research communication. Group meetings and faculty guidance support your progress. At the end of the program, you present your results in a formal setting.

15. Summer Institute in Biostatistics (SIBS) at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Location: Bethesda, MD (online/remote options may be available)

Stipend: Paid; housing and travel support may be provided for in-person participants

Program Dates: 8 weeks during the summer (exact dates vary yearly)

Application Deadline: February 15

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and select international students) with coursework in mathematics, statistics, or related fields

The Summer Institute in Biostatistics (SIBS) at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is an eight-week research training program for undergraduates. You work on hands-on projects using biomedical datasets and learn statistical methods such as regression, survival analysis, and clinical trial design. The program includes lectures by biostatisticians, workshops on R and SAS, and group problem-solving sessions. You build skills in data analysis, research communication, and evaluating scientific studies. Mentorship and networking with faculty and peers are key parts of the experience.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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 4,000 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!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source - UC Berkeley logo