12 Neuroscience Summer Internships for Undergraduates

Internships are one of the most effective ways for college students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. They not only strengthen your resume but also provide hands-on experience that can improve your chances of landing competitive jobs or graduate school opportunities.

If you're interested in neuroscience, a summer research internship allows you to explore the brain and behavior firsthand while working alongside experienced researchers and clinicians. Through these programs, you might assist with lab experiments, analyze data, or contribute to ongoing projects that investigate topics such as memory, cognition, neurological disorders, or mental health.

This kind of immersive experience is particularly valuable if you’re considering careers in neuroscience, psychology, or medicine, since it exposes you to both scientific inquiry and the professional demands of the field. Beyond technical knowledge, internships also help you build communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that employers and graduate programs look for.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 12 neuroscience summer internships for undergraduates that can guide you toward meaningful opportunities in this dynamic field.

1. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies by program type 

Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year, vary with the cohort.  Apply now!

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring

Eligibility: Undergraduate students who can work for 5-10 hours/week for 8 weeks 

The Ladder University Internship Program is a virtual internship opportunity for college students and young professionals. Founded by alumni of Harvard University, the program places you with startups and nonprofit organizations worldwide. You’ll be matched with a startup manager who gives you project tasks based on your interests. Alongside that, you get a Ladder Coach who helps you track your progress and gives regular feedback. If you are placed in a medical-related startup, you might help with research, health education tools, or digital health operations. You will also join weekly group sessions with other interns. For more information, read here.

2. Princeton Neuroscience Institute (PNI) Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Location: Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ

Cost: Fully funded

Dates: June 2 – August 1

Application Deadline: March 24

Eligibility: Current U.S. undergraduates who have a strong passion for scientific research and are seriously considering graduate studies in neuroscience

The Princeton Neuroscience Institute (PNI) offers a nine-week Summer Internship Program for undergraduate students who are interested in neuroscience or related fields. You’ll be placed in a faculty-led PNI lab, gaining practical experience by working on real research projects in PNI labs alongside graduate students. The program includes weekly lectures, lab meetings, and journal clubs. There are also sessions to develop skills in programming languages such as R, Python, and Matlab, which are essential for data analysis. Networking opportunities are available through events such as the Leadership Alliance National Symposium, where students connect with peers and professionals from across the country.

3. University of Florida’s Summer Neuroscience Internship Program (SNIP)

Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Cost: $5,000 stipend provided to UF undergraduates

Dates: May 16 – July 25

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: Undergraduate students from U.S.-based institutions who have completed at least two years of study

The University of Florida’s Summer Neuroscience Internship Program (SNIP) offers undergraduate students a comprehensive 10-week research experience in neuroscience. You will be placed in active research labs within the Department of Neuroscience and the McKnight Brain Institute, where you will engage in hands-on projects exploring various aspects of brain science. Throughout the program, you will participate in a weekly Neuromedicine Seminar Series, which showcases research conducted by postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty across a wide range of neuroscience topics. These workshops cover essential skills, including applying to graduate programs, scientific writing, public speaking, and professional networking.

4. Summer Undergraduate Internship Program-Barrow Neurological Institute

Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ

Cost: No cost; internship pays Arizona minimum wage per hour

Dates: June 4 – August 14

Application Deadline: February 6

Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students at least 18 years old

The Summer Undergraduate Internship Program at Barrow Neurological Institute is a paid 10-week research opportunity for undergraduates interested in neuroscience. Participants work full-time in research labs under the mentorship of Barrow scientists, engaging in cutting-edge neuroscience research with advanced tools and equipment. Interns can choose from various fields such as translational neuroscience, neuroimaging, spine research, neuro-rehabilitation, neuroscience publications, innovation, and marketing. Alongside practical laboratory work, you will participate in weekly research seminars, explore career possibilities in scientific fields, and present your research at the annual Barrow summer intern research symposium.

5. University of Pittsburgh’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

Location: University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Neuroscience (CNUP), Pittsburgh, PA

Cost: $4,000 stipend provided

Dates: May 27 – August 1

Application Deadline: January 24

Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore or junior year and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) offers students hands-on experience in cutting-edge neuroscience research. Interns are placed in CNUP laboratories, where they work on projects spanning neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, molecular biology, brain imaging, computer simulations, neuropsychology, and behavioral studies. In addition to lab work, you'll participate in weekly seminars focused on the latest advances in neuroscience and gaining skills in analyzing scientific papers. The program also features professional development workshops covering career exploration, graduate school preparation, and effective scientific communication.

6. Center for Brains, Minds & Machines (CBMM) 

Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free; students receive competitive stipend, on-campus housing, and travel allowances

Dates: May 26 – August 1

Application Deadline: January 30

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors) with a minimum 3.5 GPA

The MIT CBMM Undergraduate Summer Research Internship is a 10-week program in Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience for undergraduate students from colleges with limited research opportunities. During the internship, you will work closely with faculty and graduate students on hands-on research projects that involve understanding the brain, cognition, and artificial intelligence. You will also participate in weekly seminars, workshops, and a GRE prep course where you'll learn about neuroscience, research methods, and how to prepare for graduate school. The program provides opportunities to present research findings, meet and network with scientists, and gain experience in a research-focused environment.

7. The University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute – Summer Research Opportunities

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cost: $5,100 stipend provided

Dates: June 16 – August 8

Application Deadline: April 18

Eligibility: First-, second-, and third-year undergraduate students from institutions other than UChicago

The University of Chicago's Neuroscience Institute hosts two summer research programs: DENDRITES (Dynamic Experiences in Neuroscience to Diversify Research Internship Training Exposures for Students) and DARN (Developing Access to Research in Neuroscience). Both programs invite visiting undergraduates to spend a comprehensive eight-week period on campus, working in neuroscience labs under the guidance of faculty mentors. In DENDRITES, students delve into core, clinical, and translational neuroscience topics, whereas DARN provides lab opportunities across different neurobiology departments. These programs acquaint students with advanced research techniques, assist them in designing and executing their own projects, and offer mentorship along with professional development opportunities such as seminars, workshops, and access to leadership meetings.

8. West Virginia University’s Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Opportunity (N.U.R.O)

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cost: $4,000 stipend provided; plus competitive travel support (if requested)

Dates: May 27 – July 25

Application Deadline: February 28

Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed their second or third year with at least a 3.0 GPA and possess a strong understanding of and proficiency in Biology, Neuroscience, Engineering, or Psychology

The Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Opportunity (N.U.R.O.) at West Virginia University is a 9-week summer internship where undergraduate students get hands-on experience in neuroscience research. You will work with faculty mentors on projects in areas like sensory and behavioral neuroscience, stroke and brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, or psychiatric disorders. The program also includes weekly journal clubs and professional development sessions, culminating in a poster presentation of each student’s research. You will receive a stipend, housing, and travel support, making it a fully funded opportunity to explore neuroscience and prepare for future graduate studies.

9. Kavli NDI (Neuroscience Discovery Institute) Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Location: Johns Hopkins University campus, Baltimore, MD

Cost: No cost; $3,000 – $5,500 stipend provided

Dates: May 26 – August 2

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: U.S. Undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of college by the start of the summer program

The Summer Internship Program at Johns Hopkins University is a prestigious and highly competitive research opportunity for undergraduates passionate about neuroscience. Students are placed in cutting-edge labs across Johns Hopkins, working alongside faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students on projects that combine neuroscience, data science, and engineering to study the brain. You will acquire practical experience with sophisticated research methods, including brain imaging, computational modeling, and molecular techniques. In addition to hands-on lab work, the program features seminars, workshops, and networking events aimed at preparing students for graduate studies and research careers. A strong emphasis is placed on professional development, offering opportunities to enhance communication skills, explore various career options, and present research outcomes at the end of the program.

10. UCSF Summer Research Training Program (SRTP)

Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA

Cost: No cost; $5,000 stipend + allowance and housing

Dates: June 1 – August 8

Application Deadline: February 2

Eligibility: U.S. Undergraduate students who have completed at least 4 semesters or 6 quarters of study by the start of the program

The Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) at UCSF is a 10-week intensive research experience for undergraduates pursuing careers in biomedical and health sciences, including neuroscience. You will be paired with UCSF faculty mentors and take part in hands-on laboratory research projects, gaining experience in experimental design, data analysis, and cutting-edge research methods. Beyond the lab, SRTP offers a comprehensive curriculum of professional development workshops, career panels, and graduate school preparation sessions to support students’ academic and career goals. You will also participate in weekly seminars led by prominent UCSF scientists, covering a variety of fields including neuroscience, genetics, cancer biology, pharmacology, and health disparities research.

11. Yale University – Undergraduate Developmental Science Summer Internship

Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT

Cost: No cost; up to $4,000 stipend provided

Dates: June 2 – July 25

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens, or international students currently enrolled in the U.S.

The Yale Child Study Center Undergraduate Summer Internship Program offers an intensive eight-week research training in developmental science, neuroscience, psychology, and child health. Students participate in faculty-mentored projects spanning neuroscience, genetics, clinical, and community-based studies, providing experience in both fundamental and applied research. You will actively engage in lab work, data analysis, and clinical observation, while also participating in seminars, journal clubs, and professional development workshops that enhance your understanding of the field. A major highlight of the program is the final poster symposium, where you will present your summer research to faculty, peers, and mentors. 

12. Irvine Summer Institute in Neuroscience

Location: Hybrid; Virtual and in-person at the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA

Cost: No cost; $700/week stipend provided

Dates: June 9 – 20 (Remote prep) | June 22 – August 15 (In-person research)

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (flexible in special cases) who have completed at least a year of undergraduate studies

The Irvine Summer Institute in Neuroscience at UC Irvine is a 10-week internship that offers undergraduates hands-on experience in brain research. The program starts with two weeks of online prep, where students study the basics of research ethics, coding, data analysis, and interpreting scientific literature. This is then followed by eight weeks on campus, during which participants work in neuroscience labs to gather data, conduct experiments, and analyze their results with support from faculty and graduate student mentors. Alongside lab work, participants can join daily seminars, coding workshops, and journal clubs.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in neuroscience, 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 - Princeton University logo