MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) 2026: Fully Funded Undergraduate Research Opportunity at MIT

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is now accepting applications for the prestigious MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) for Summer 2026. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this competitive program offers exceptional undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at one of the world’s top universities.

The program brings together highly motivated students from across the United States for a transformative nine-week research experience. Participants work closely with leading MIT faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students while building professional skills and exploring pathways to graduate education.

Program Overview

Program Dates: June 8 – August 8, 2026
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
Application Opens: September 26, 2025
Program Type: Fully funded summer research program for undergraduates

The MSRP was established in 1986 to expand access to research opportunities and graduate pathways for students from diverse backgrounds, especially those who have historically faced barriers within STEM and academic research. The program aims to inspire and prepare future scholars, researchers, and faculty leaders.

What the Program Offers

Participants benefit from an immersive academic and research experience, including:

• Full research placement with MIT faculty mentorship

• Weekly stipend

• Free on-campus housing

• Round-trip travel to MIT

• Meal subsidy

• Access to MIT labs, facilities, libraries, and health services

• Professional development workshops and graduate school preparation

• Community and networking events

• Support for scholarly writing, abstract development, and poster presentations

• Opportunity to contribute to publishable research

The program concludes with a research symposium where participants present their findings to faculty, peers, and the MIT community.

Key Program Features

• Faculty research talks across disciplines

• Graduate school advising and preparation

• Professional development seminars

• Service and community engagement activities

• Social events including campus outings and Boston experiences

• Hands-on scholarly writing training

• Final research forum and luncheon

 

Academic Fields and Participating Departments

Students from a wide range of academic disciplines are encouraged to apply. Participating areas include:

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have a minimum 3.5 overall or major GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at a US institution of higher education located in the US or its territories (excluding MIT).
• Be a sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior with at least two academic years of college coursework completed (excluding college credit earned during high school or its equivalent). Students should not be graduating prior to December 2026.
  • Note: First-year students from select undergraduate institutions may be eligible to apply through the Leadership Alliance’s James H. Wyche First Year Research Program (FYRE). Learn more about FYRE eligibility here.
• Have an interest in pursuing a graduate degree in one of MIT’s graduate programs, Sloan professional programs not included (MBA, EMBA, LGO, etc).
• Have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in academic research and/or teaching.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, non-U.S. citizen with DACA, or international student with appropriate visa and work authorizations.

 

Who Is Encouraged to Apply

The program strongly welcomes students who:

• Attend colleges with limited research opportunities

• Are first-generation college students

• Have overcome economic or educational disadvantages

• Come from non-traditional or under-resourced academic pathways

• Demonstrate leadership in promoting inclusion and equity

• Have research interests centered on underserved communities or social inequities

 

Application Support Workshops

Students are encouraged to participate in virtual application preparation workshops:

• November 6, 2025 | 12:00 -1:00 pm ET (Register Here)
• December 10, 2025 | 4:00 – 5:00 pm ET (Register Here)

These sessions provide guidance on preparing a strong application, writing research statements, and strengthening academic materials.

How to Apply

Applications are open until January 20, 2026.
Learn more and apply at: https://oge.mit.edu/msrp/application/

Students are encouraged to apply to multiple research programs, including those listed in the Pathways to Science database, which offers more than 1,000 research opportunities nationwide.

Why Apply to MSRP

The MIT Summer Research Program is one of the nation’s premier undergraduate research initiatives. Past participants have gone on to pursue graduate study at MIT and other top universities, building impactful careers as researchers, scholars, innovators, and academic leaders.

If you are a highly motivated undergraduate committed to research excellence and graduate study, this program provides unmatched access to world-class faculty, facilities, and career-shaping mentorship.

The Office of Graduate Education, GradDiversity staff strongly encourages students to expand their options by applying to multiple programs. The Pathways to Science database provides a list of over 1000 opportunities for US Citizens and non-US Citizens at every level of education (k-12, undergrad, grad, & faculty).

Program Dates	June 8 – August 8, 2026
Application Opens	September 26, 2025
Application Deadline	January 20, 2026

 

Important Notes

1. MSRP General does not accept applications for the following MIT departments who host their own summer programs.
   • Biology: MSRP Biology/BCS
   • Brain & Cognitive Sciences: MSRP Biology/BCS
2. MSRP General strongly encourages applicants to apply to more than one summer program. Learn about research experiences for undergraduates at MIT and beyond. Learn more about additional summer opportunities at MIT and beyond at the Institute for Broadening Participation, Pathways to Science.

Please also review our FAQ page for more program information.