15 Research Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 3
- 12 min read
Updated: Oct 14
If you're a college student looking to boost your resume with real-world experience, research internships for undergraduates are a strong option to start. These programs help you build key professional skills, expand your network, and get a feel for what a career in science, tech, or policy might look like.Â
Research internships for undergraduates often combine structured training with hands-on projects, giving you exposure to tools, lab environments, and mentors that most classroom settings can’t replicate. They also provide a boost to your resume, especially if you're planning to apply to grad school or enter a competitive field.
We've narrowed down a list of 15 top research internships for undergraduates based on three key criteria: the prestige of the host institutions, the rigor of the professional experience provided, and the opportunities to network with professionals, researchers, and peers. If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Research Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid is available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; the Fall deadline is August 24
Eligibility: Ambitious college students and young professionals who can work for 5 – 10 hours/week for 8 weeks
Ladder University Internships is a selective, startup-focused internship program designed for ambitious undergraduates early in their academic journey. Over eight weeks, you’ll work with fast-growing companies (many backed by Y Combinator or led by Harvard and McKinsey alumni) on real-world projects in areas like AI, health tech, journalism, or environmental science. You’ll commit 5–10 hours per week and meet weekly with a company coach to define, develop, and deliver two major project milestones. The program prioritizes independent learning, business problem-solving, and professional mentorship, while offering a hands-on look into startup culture and professional consulting-style deliverables, even if you don’t have a technical background.
Location: Various institutions across the U.S.
Stipend: $700 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 10 students in a group
Dates: Typically in the summer; specific dates vary by program and site
Application Deadline: Typically January – March; exact deadlines vary
Eligibility: College and university students pursuing a bachelor’s or associate's degree | U.S. citizens/nationals or permanent residents | Specific REU opportunities may have additional requirements
The NSF REU program is a research internship for undergraduates that allows you to contribute to real-world research alongside academic professionals. Whether you're interested in fields like chemistry, computer science, or even Arctic ecosystems, you'll find REU Sites offering focused projects across a broad range of disciplines. These internships typically place small cohorts at host institutions where you'll be mentored by faculty and researchers, often as part of a larger lab or themed project. In addition to learning research methodologies, you’ll gain exposure to academic career paths and build collaborative skills in a hands-on setting. Many REU Sites also host seminars or workshops to help you explore STEM education.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts
Stipend: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 35 students
Dates: 8 weeks in June – August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in stem cell biology
In this one of the more specialized research internships for undergraduates, you'll engage directly with experimental work in active stem cell research labs. This program places you alongside top faculty researchers of regenerative biology, giving you access to ongoing projects and established lab practices. HIP emphasizes scientific communication: you’ll participate in a seminar series, attend career development sessions, and formally present your work in both oral and poster formats at a closing symposium. The program supports a wide range of academic backgrounds, so whether you’re new to stem cell science or already familiar with it, you’ll have opportunities to grow through exposure to varied research approaches.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
Stipend: $5,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 94 students were accepted in the previous cohort
Dates: June 9 – August 9
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Full-time sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors enrolled in a degree-granting program | Minimum 3.5 GPA | U.S. citizens and permanent residents
The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) is designed to introduce you to the graduate research environment while supporting your academic and professional development. You’ll be matched with faculty from a wide range of departments, including engineering, computing, and the sciences, and participate in hands-on projects that reflect MIT’s research strengths. Alongside lab work, you’ll write a research paper, prepare a graduate school statement of purpose, and present your findings in a poster session. Weekly seminars are held to address academic and professional topics so you can clarify your goals and explore the transition from undergraduate to graduate study.
Location: NIST labs or offices in Gaithersburg, Maryland; Boulder, Colorado; and Charleston, South Carolina
Stipend: $7,810 (for 11 weeks), Limited financial assistance ($4,500 for housing and up to $500 for travel) will be provided for in-person participants who need to relocate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 150 students each year
Dates: May 19 – August 1. Alternative dates: June 2 – August 15 and June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | At least 18 years old | Full-time undergraduate students in an accredited two- or four-year college. First-year undergrads and graduating seniors are encouraged to apply
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers research internships for undergraduates that support science and innovation. Over 11 weeks, you’ll join one of several host labs, ranging from physical measurements to communications technology, and work on projects that span disciplines like computing, engineering, biology, and chemistry. You’ll collaborate with experienced researchers and mentors, gaining practical lab experience that’s closely aligned with NIST’s mission. Each location offers its own set of opportunities, and you can indicate specific lab preferences when applying.
Location: 14 host locations within the U.S.
Stipend: Typically between $4,000 and $6,620
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10 scholars per institution
Dates: Vary by institution; typically May– August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Sophomores (with three semesters of college experience), juniors, or non-graduating seniors who are enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
The Amgen Scholars Program provides research internships for undergraduates in leading educational institutions across the U.S. for a summer of intensive lab-based experience. You'll conduct research in areas related to biomedical science, biotechnology, and therapeutics, often working closely with faculty mentors on active projects. In addition to day-to-day lab work, the program includes a North America Symposium in Southern California where you'll present your findings and hear from scientists in both academia and industry. While the structure and research focus vary by host institution, all sites provide opportunities to explore career paths and deepen your scientific skillset. Each university involved in Amgen Scholars runs its own application process.
Location: Various Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories/research facilities across the U.S.
Stipend: New undergrads: $7,500, Returning undergrads: $9,000 (Must have completed a full 10-week program in a prior year)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; there is a competitive admissions process
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; exact dates vary by lab
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled full-time in a four-year accredited institution who will be graduating in the Spring semester | Will have a minimum of 31 credits by the start of the internship | U.S. citizens | Some exceptions apply
The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) offers you a chance to contribute directly to Department of Navy research efforts over a ten-week summer term. As an intern, you’ll work in one of over 60 DoN labs across the U.S., engaging with research in areas like engineering, computing, materials science, or oceanography. You'll receive mentorship from military-affiliated scientists and engineers, many of whom are actively shaping applied technologies. The program prioritizes hands-on lab experience but also includes required deliverables like research summaries and presentations. You will prepare research documentation, write technical reports, and present your findings either in group meetings or as final presentations to laboratory staff.
Location: NRAO sites in Socorro, New Mexico; Green Bank, West Virginia; and Charlottesville, Virginia
Stipend: A stipend is provided to offset housing and living expenses. Travel expenses to and from the site will be reimbursed up to $900, and short-term lodging up to $300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 30 students each year
Dates: 10 – 12 weeks from late-May to mid-August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students or graduate college students enrolled in an accredited institution | U.S. citizens and eligible to work in the U.S. | Preferred applicants have an interest in astronomy, with a background in astronomy, physics, engineering, computer science, and/or math
This research internship gives you the chance to work directly with staff scientists on projects in astronomy, software development, instrumentation, or telescope design. It allows you to focus on a single research project under expert supervision. Your work may involve analyzing astronomical data, developing tools, or supporting observational studies using major facilities like the VLA or GBT. In addition to daily lab work, you’ll take part in seminars, optional workshops, and social activities that give you a broader view of radio astronomy as a field. The program concludes with both a written report and a presentation to NRAO staff.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Students receive a stipend. Travel, meals, and housing are covered.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 36 students are accepted each year
Dates: June 23 – August 22
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Students enrolled in or who have just completed an undergraduate program with a strong background in mathematics | Experience in computer science, data analysis, or numerical computation is helpful, but not compulsory
The Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) program places you in a team-based, applied setting that blends mathematics, data science, and real-world problem solving. Instead of working under a single academic advisor, you’ll collaborate with both academic and industry mentors on challenges proposed by private companies or government agencies. Projects are computationally heavy and often simulate the structure of professional research teams, complete with a designated student project manager and structured deliverables. You’ll produce both oral and written reports for your industry sponsor, gaining practice in technical communication that reflects industry expectations.
Location: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH | AFRL Collaborative Labs at Wright State University or Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX
Stipend: $9,000 + $500 relocation allowance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20–25 students are selected
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old | Enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education | Must be pursuing a degree in a STEM discipline | Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scaleÂ
The Repperger Research Intern Program offers research internships for undergraduates within Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) facilities, focused on advancing human performance and applied science. Unlike typical lab internships, the Repperger program immerses you in research that's deeply tied to human-centered defense challenges. You’ll work under the mentorship of AFRL scientists on projects tied to biomechanics, neurotechnology, machine learning, bioengineering, and cognitive modeling. Research topics change annually, and recent projects have included spine modeling during parachute operations, wearable performance sensors, and microbiome-driven performance assessment. You’ll also prepare a presentation or poster of your findings and may be invited to share it at the program’s end-of-summer summit.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: A stipend will be provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Exact numbers aren’t available, but the program has a competitive application process
Dates: June 16 – August 9
Application Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors and current undergraduate students | Minimum 3.0 GPA |
The Brain Research Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BRI-SURE) offers an intensive eight-week hybrid program centered on neuroscience and physiology research. You’ll work on independent projects with UCLA faculty, gaining hands-on experience with experimental design, data analysis, and computational modeling. Beyond the lab, the program includes workshops, journal clubs, and career panels to support your preparation for advanced graduate study, including Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. pathways. BRI-SURE also integrates professional development activities such as writing research papers and preparing posters for a summer competition. The program also exposes you to a broad range of biomedical research topics through seminars and mentorship.
Location: Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY
Stipend: $6,000 without housing; $5,000 with on-campus housing provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20–30 students are accepted each year
Dates: 10 weeks in June – August
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors | Applicants with a GPA higher than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are preferred
The Food Science Summer Scholars Program at Cornell University offers a 10-week research internship for undergraduates tailored specifically to students interested in the science behind food systems, safety, and innovation. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor and work on a focused research project that could range from microbial analysis to product formulation or nutritional chemistry. The program also includes structured discussions on topics like ethics in food science and navigating graduate school applications, plus a field trip to food industry sites. Throughout the summer, you’ll meet professionals from government, academia, and industry, gaining firsthand insight into food science career paths. Your research will culminate in a presentation.
Location: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
Stipend: A competitive stipend will be provided; room, board, and travel expenses to and from the program will be covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 110–125 students are accepted per year
Dates: June 3 – August 6
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: College freshmen | Preference is given to current juniors and seniors with at least one semester of remaining undergraduate coursework and who have completed advanced coursework in the relevant research area | Students interested in pursuing an advanced degree
The Nebraska Summer Research Program (SRP) brings together undergraduates from across the country to take part in faculty-mentored research projects spanning disciplines like nanotechnology, plant systems, virology, and engineering education. You'll join a research lab led by faculty selected both for their expertise in the field and for mentoring undergraduates. The program partners with NSF REU, USDA REEU, and SROP initiatives, creating a multidisciplinary cohort that allows you to connect with peers outside your field. Alongside hands-on lab work, SRP includes career development workshops on graduate school, academic writing, and research presentation. Scholars present their findings at a final symposium, and many projects are designed with publication or conference presentation in mind.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Stipend: Competitive stipend, along with travel to and from campus, housing, and meals, are covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 30 students are accepted
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Non-Princeton undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in neuroscience or a related field | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Princeton Neuroscience Institute’s (PNI) Summer Internship Program (SIP) offers research internships for undergraduates that provide an in-depth introduction to neuroscience research through original lab projects and close mentorship. You’ll be placed in a lab led by a PNI faculty member, matched to your background and stated research interests. Throughout the summer, you’ll collaborate with graduate students and researchers, gaining experience in experimental design, data analysis, and the day-to-day rhythm of academic lab work. Group programming includes foundational neuroscience lectures, coding workshops in R, Python, and MATLAB, and weekly lab meetings. You’ll also attend professional development sessions focused on applying to graduate school.
Location: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Stipend: $650 weekly stipend; commuters will receive $80 per week | Students who live more than 50 miles from campus will have free on-campus housing
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–14 students are accepted each summer
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Currently attending (or planning to attend in the Spring semester) a Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, or New Mexico community college | Minimum 3.0 GPA (or provide a reasonable explanation for a lower GPA) | Completed at least 2 science classes, and preferably college algebra
The Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) is a nine-week summer program that offers hands-on research training in environmental and geosciences. As a RECCS intern, you’ll be placed with a research team, but you’ll take the lead on your own project, whether that’s field-based data collection, lab experiments, or computational modeling. The program is structured to support beginners: you'll learn how to collect and analyze data, explore software tools like R or Python if your project requires it, and receive guidance on communicating your findings. Weekly seminars cover scientific communication and career preparation, from building a resume to navigating the transfer process to four-year STEM programs.
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.
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