Summer Student Fellowship 2026 at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)

Are you an undergraduate student passionate about ocean science, engineering, or marine policy? The Summer Student Fellowship at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) offers an incredible opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in oceanography and marine research.

 

Program Overview:
The Summer Student Fellowship program offers undergraduate students the chance to work on meaningful research projects in collaboration with scientists and experts in the field. Fellows will undertake a project within ocean sciences or engineering, benefiting from the resources and support of WHOI and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center.

 

Key Features:

• Research Projects: Work on an independent research project under the guidance of WHOI’s Scientific or Senior Technical Staff.
• Ocean Sampling Cruise: Participate in a one-day ocean sampling cruise onboard the R/V Tioga, learning advanced oceanographic data collection methods.
• Mentorship & Networking: Interact with MIT-WHOI Joint Program graduate students, attend seminars, and participate in a near-peer mentoring program.
• Workshops & Seminars: Fellows will have access to a busy schedule of lectures, including the Summer Lecture Series and an Ethics in Science Workshop.

 

Eligibility:
The fellowship is designed for undergraduate students who will have completed their junior year by the start of the fellowship (Summer 2026). Students in the UK and other countries with a three-year Bachelor’s degree program should be in their second year, while students in five-year combined Bachelor/Master’s programs should be in their third year. The program is open to students in fields like biology, chemistry, engineering, oceanography, geophysics, marine policy, and more.

• Underrepresented Groups Encouraged to Apply: WHOI strongly encourages applications from students who are underrepresented in ocean science and engineering.

 

Program Requirements:

• Oral and Written Reports: Fellows are required to present a mid-summer oral report and submit a final written research report.
• Presentations: At the end of the summer, fellows must present their findings in a public oral or poster presentation.
• Participation: Fellows must attend the Summer Lecture Series and the Ethics in Science Workshop.

 

Stipend & Housing:

• Stipend: Fellows receive a weekly stipend of $721 for the 10-12 week program.
• Travel Allowance: A travel allowance of $720 is provided to help with round-trip travel expenses to Woods Hole.
• Housing: WHOI offers shared housing with two single beds per room for fellowship participants.

 

Application Process:
To apply, submit:

• A current CV/resume.
• An unofficial transcript.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Short essay responses on research interests, previous experience, and personal qualities.

 

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: February 1, 2026.
• Notification of Acceptance: Mid-March 2026.

 

Additional Information for International Students:
International students may apply for this fellowship. However, they will need to obtain the necessary J-1 Visa paperwork and will be required to pay a 14% U.S. Federal income tax on stipend payments and housing allowances.

For more details, visit the WHOI Summer Student Fellowship webpage.

Apply now for your chance to make an impact in the world of marine science and research in Summer 2026.