15 Physics Summer Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 17 minutes ago
- 10 min read
Internships in physics offer undergraduates a bridge between classroom learning and research or industry applications. Through these experiences, you can develop skills such as data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication while working alongside researchers, engineers, or policy professionals. Internships provide early exposure to the collaborative culture of labs and research teams, helping you build valuable connections that can shape your future academic or career directions.
If you’re looking to explore physics beyond coursework, a structured internship can help you test your interests in areas such as astrophysics, quantum mechanics, or applied materials science. To help you identify strong options, we’ve curated a list of 15 top physics summer internships for undergraduates that combine academic prestige, professional experience, and opportunities to network with researchers and industry experts. If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Physics Summer Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
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 University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
Location: California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: For Non-Caltech students: Continuing undergraduate students in STEM; have a cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0, not be under any academic or disciplinary sanctions, U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, complete the second semester or third quarter at your college or university; international students are eligible; for more info, click here
Stipend: $8,110
The Caltech SURF program introduces STEM undergraduates to a full research cycle, from proposal to final presentation. You’ll work closely with a Caltech faculty mentor to design and develop a research project, learning how to frame scientific questions and define methodology. The program mirrors the grant-seeking process, teaching skills in research planning, data collection, and technical writing. You’ll culminate the experience by submitting a research paper and presenting your findings at SURF Seminar Day, simulating a professional technical meeting. The fellowship emphasizes hands-on research, scientific communication, and exposure to the professional research environment.
Location: Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM
Dates: June 1 – August 9
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students graduating in December of the program year or later
Stipend: $7,000
The SFI UCR program is a 10-week residential research experience focused on complexity science. You’ll engage in projects, either choosing from existing research topics or developing your own in collaboration with a mentor. The program emphasizes using tools and concepts from physics, natural sciences, and social sciences to explore real-world systems. Workshops and seminars support the development of research skills, scientific reasoning, and communication. You’ll gain experience in designing experiments, analyzing complex data, and presenting your findings. This program provides exposure to interdisciplinary research and prepares you for advanced study or careers in science and engineering. While you don’t need a research background, programming experience, or strong quantitative skills are preferred.
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $6,000
Program Dates: 10 to 12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: University of Michigan undergraduates, typically rising sophomores through seniors in engineering, math, science, or computer science
The SURE program provides a full-time summer research experience for U-M undergraduates in engineering and related STEM fields. You’ll work closely with a faculty advisor in a College of Engineering lab, engaging in hands-on research projects. The program includes seminars, lab meetings, and professional development sessions to build research and communication skills. You’ll complete a final project to present your findings, giving practical experience in scientific reporting. SURE helps students assess whether graduate research at the Master’s or PhD level aligns with their academic and career goals. The program combines technical skill-building with mentorship and exposure to advanced engineering research.
Location: Multiple NSA sites across the U.S., including Fort Meade, MD; Colorado; Georgia; Hawaii; and Texas
Cost/Stipend: Competitive salary based on education level, paid leave, and housing reimbursement based on eligibility
Program Dates: 12-week programs starting mid-May or June
Application Deadline: October 1, early applications recommended
Eligibility: High school juniors through doctoral candidates
If you’re studying physics and interested in data analysis, modeling, or applied research, the NSA’s technical internships offer a chance to apply those skills to national security work. Over 30 paid programs span fields like computer science, mathematics, engineering, and intelligence analysis. Across a 12-week term, you’ll collaborate with NSA scientists and analysts on projects tied to cybersecurity, encryption, and signal detection. Many placements emphasize quantitative reasoning and problem-solving, areas where physics students thrive. This internship provides exposure to research-driven work in defense technology while strengthening your computational and analytical background.
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (in-person, hybrid, and virtual options available)
Duration: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: You must be at least 15 years old by June 18 for remote or computer-lab-based internships, and at least 16 years old by June 18 for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships. Refer to the program site for full eligibility details.
Cost: Free, though with a $25 application fee, for which waivers are available
ASSIP is an eight-week mentored research program where you work with George Mason faculty on active STEM projects. You’ll gain experience using laboratory instruments and computational tools while learning data analysis methods relevant to your research area. The program emphasizes scientific writing, presentation skills, and collaboration within research teams. Projects span disciplines such as physics, biology, engineering, and computer science, allowing you to explore intersections across STEM fields. Many participants present their work at conferences or contribute to publications, building early experience in professional scientific communication.
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $4,700
Program Dates: May 27 – August 3
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Current undergraduates from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups in biomedical research who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a minimum 3.2 GPA
The SMART program introduces you to the research side of medicine through an immersive, full-time laboratory experience. Over ten weeks, you’ll work with a faculty mentor on ongoing biomedical projects that may involve molecular biology, physiology, or bioinformatics. The program includes seminars on the physician–scientist career path and sessions on preparing for MD/PhD training. You’ll learn to design experiments, interpret data, and present your findings to peers and faculty. Since its launch in 2008, SMART has supported students who go on to pursue advanced study and research careers, bridging medicine and science.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: 9 weeks
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Princeton and non-Princeton undergraduate first-years, sophomores, and juniors interested in bioengineering or related fields
BE-SURE is a nine-week program that introduces you to interdisciplinary bioengineering research under the mentorship of Princeton faculty. You’ll contribute to an ongoing lab project, gaining experience in experimental design, quantitative analysis, and scientific communication. The program includes seminars on research methods and professional development, along with visits to the Princeton Innovation Center Biolabs and local biotech firms. You’ll also connect with student research groups like the iGEM team to see how bioengineering concepts translate to real-world innovation. The program concludes with a poster session where you present your findings to peers and faculty mentors.
Location: NASA centers nationwide
Stipend: Paid, based on academic level and session length
Program Dates: Summer session, 10 weeks, late May or early June to August
Application Deadline: Posted on USAJobs.gov with deadlines specific to each vacancy
Eligibility: College students; details vary by position and must be checked per listing
NASA’s Pathways Internship Program offers structured, paid placements for students interested in contributing to ongoing research and engineering initiatives. You’ll work on meaningful, mission-driven projects across engineering, science, technology, business, or technical areas that align with your academic interests, gaining real professional skills and on-the-job training as you contribute to the agency’s work exploring space and advancing science and technology. For physics and engineering majors, Pathways provides an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real aerospace challenges while building long-term connections within the agency.
Location: NASA centers across the U.S., with some remote options depending on project
Stipend: Based on academic level and internship duration
Program Dates: Summer session, 10 weeks, late May or early June to August
Application Deadlines: Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22
Eligibility: Full-time college students who are U.S. citizens; eligibility criteria vary by position
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) connects students with active research and engineering projects across its centers. During your internship, you’ll collaborate with NASA mentors on assignments that may involve data analysis, structural design, test systems, or software development. Each term is structured around hands-on technical work and guided professional training in a real aerospace environment. You’ll gain practical skills in experimental setup, systems modeling, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The program’s flexibility across terms allows you to align NASA research experience with your academic schedule while building a foundation for future work in physics, engineering, or computational science.
Location: Various AFRL sites across the U.S.
Dates: Varies by internship; primarily summer, some fall opportunities
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Undergraduate students pursuing STEM degrees
Cost/Stipend: Free; interns receive a stipend depending on academic progression; you can find details here
The AFRL Scholars Program introduces you to research within aerospace engineering and related STEM fields. You’ll work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers on projects involving materials science, propulsion, or advanced technology development. Interns gain experience with experimental design, data collection, and analytical techniques while touring state-of-the-art laboratories. The program emphasizes professional collaboration, problem-solving, and exposure to cutting-edge research in defense and aerospace. Participation also provides networking opportunities with experts in both government and applied engineering sectors.
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend provided
Program Dates: June to August, 9 weeks
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are rising juniors or seniors, have completed upper-level EECS courses, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
SUPERB is a nine-week Research Experience for Undergraduates that focuses on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and engineering. You’ll work closely with EECS faculty on projects exploring machine learning algorithms, safe human-robot interaction, and strategies for building provably-safe AI systems. The program emphasizes hands-on problem solving, defending against adversarial attacks, and managing uncertainty in real-world engineering applications. Participants also engage with Large Language Models and other advanced AI tools to understand both their potential and limitations. The experience combines research, collaboration, and exposure to cutting-edge AI engineering challenges, preparing you for further study or careers in computational and engineering fields.
Location: NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend
Program Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: December 12
Eligibility: Undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours completed
The LPI Summer Intern Program immerses you in professional planetary science research over a 10-week period. You’ll collaborate with scientists on research projects, gaining experience in data analysis, experimental design, and research presentation. The internship emphasizes developing both technical and communication skills while exposing you to the workflow of a professional scientific team. You’ll also explore career paths in planetary science, attend seminars, and network with researchers, preparing you for graduate study or future research opportunities. The program balances hands-on research with mentorship, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to ongoing scientific investigations.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, hosted in partnership with Benedictine University and Black Hills State University
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
Program Dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; undergraduate students or graduating high school seniors who are or will become Benedictine University physics majors
RENEW-Midwest is a 10-week summer research program for students interested in astronomy and pursuing graduate-level study. You’ll work on detecting supernova events in large-scale astronomical surveys using Python for data analysis. The program pairs you with faculty mentors from both Benedictine University and the University of Michigan, guiding the research experience. Emphasis is placed on developing computational, analytical, and scientific communication skills. Students from underrepresented groups in the sciences are especially encouraged to apply. The program also offers the potential to continue research funding for up to three years while completing your degree at Benedictine.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Dates: 10 weeks, June – August
Application Deadline: Not specified. Contact bioe_admissions@stanford.edu for more info
Eligibility: Current Stanford undergraduates
Cost: Not specified
This 10-week full-time research program allows you to work with faculty mentors in Stanford’s Department of Bioengineering. You’ll join an active lab group, contributing to projects that may involve the development of medical devices, computational modeling, or tissue engineering. The experience emphasizes experimental design, data analysis, and presentation of findings. You’ll work approximately 40 hours per week, gaining hands-on exposure to cutting-edge techniques used in biomedical research. The program provides a focused environment for exploring the intersection of biology, physics, and engineering while building strong research and mentoring connections within the Stanford community. Depending on your lab placement, you may apply core physics principles such as mechanics, fluid dynamics, or transport phenomena to analyze biological systems, model device behavior, or interpret experimental results.
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 graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.
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