Rockefeller University Summer Fellowship 2025 | Fully Funded Research in USA

The Rockefeller University Summer Fellowship 2025, or the Chemers Neustein Summer Fellowship, is a highly competitive and fully funded research experience in New York City, the USA. This 10-week summer program enables excellent undergraduate students globally to experience the practical aspects of cutting-edge biomedical research under the guidance of outstanding faculty of the Rockefeller University.

Students will become familiar with the world of exciting scientific fields, such as molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, and immunology. SURF program is also designed to prepare the students with lab and analytical skills as well as introduce them to the world-renowned researchers; this provides a great base to the future graduate work or employment in the biomedical sciences.

Key Highlights

Program Description

The SURF 2025 Program at Rockefeller University provides undergraduates with the opportunity to engage in actual laboratory research programs with individual scientists. All the students are placed on faculty mentors and research group according to their research interests and academic background.

The program features:

• Faculty seminars and journal clubs weekly.
• Career and graduate study workshops and scientific communication.
• An ultimate poster symposium during which the fellows are expected to present their research findings to the Rockefeller community.

This hands-on experience enables students to experience the discovery-based research within state-of-the-art laboratories setting them up to further study in the fields of biology, medicine or other related disciplines.

Fellowship Benefits

• Stipend of $6,500 during the course of 10 weeks.
• Free-housing on the campus of Rockefeller University (non-commuters).
• Access to all the facilities and laboratories of research.
• Seminars and mentoring with faculty members and postdoctoral researchers per week.
• Living and studying in New York City, a world centre of science and innovation.
• End of program certificate of completion.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Rockefeller University Summer Fellowship 2025, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (sophomore or junior preferred)
• Have a strong academic record in biological, chemical, or physical sciences
• Demonstrate genuine interest in laboratory-based biomedical research
• Be available full-time for the entire program duration (June 2 – August 8, 2025)
• Be eligible to work in the U.S. or obtain a visa (international students may apply)

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying:

• Updated CV or résumé
• Official academic transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation (from professors or research mentors)
• Personal statement (detailing scientific interests and career goals)
• Proof of current undergraduate enrollment

Application Process

1. Go to the Rockefeller University SURF application portal.
2. Open up an online account and complete the application form.
3. Upload your resume, transcript, and personal statement.
4. Ask two of your confidential letters of recommendation, using the portal.
5. Apply in time before the due date.
6. Those who are successful will be informed through email.

Deadline

Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8, 2025

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official website below:

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Rockefeller University SURF program?
Undergraduate students majoring in biology, chemistry, physics, or related disciplines are eligible to apply.

2. Is the fellowship open to international students?
Yes, both domestic and foreign applicants are welcome to the program.

3. What financial support does the program provide?
The stipend and free on-campus housing are offered to Fellows to cover the course of the program up to $6500.

4. How long does the program last?
The SURF fellowship runs for 10 weeks, from June 2 to August 8, 2025.

5. Are travel or meal costs covered?
Travel and meals are usually not included, housing and stipend are covered.

6. What kind of research will I be doing?
Laboratory-based projects in biomedical and life sciences, including molecular biology, neuroscience and immunology are also taught to students.