MIT MSRP Scholarship 2027

The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) is a competitive summer initiative designed to promote the value of graduate education, broaden participation in the research enterprise, and prepare and recruit exceptional undergraduate students for graduate study at MIT and beyond.

MSRP seeks to identify talented undergraduates who might benefit from spending a summer on MIT’s campus, conducting research under the guidance of MIT faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and advanced graduate students.

Students who participate in this program will be better prepared and motivated to pursue advanced degrees, thereby helping to sustain a rich talent pool in critical areas of research and innovation.

Program Goals

• Promote graduate education as a meaningful and attainable goal.
• Broaden perspectives and participation in research and innovation.
• Support and prepare talented undergraduates for graduate study at MIT and other top institutions, equipping them for research career paths.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• Study LevelUndergraduate
• SponsorMassachusetts Institute of Technology
• City to studyMassachusetts
• School to studyMassachusetts Institute of Technology
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Mentored Research Experience: Work under the guidance of an MIT faculty member, with additional support from a postdoctoral fellow or advanced graduate student.
• Graduate School Preparation: Receive individualized advising on academic and research career pathways, including feedback on coursework and lab skill development.
• Scholarly Engagement: Gain the opportunity to contribute to publishable research and potentially co-author a scientific paper with your faculty mentor.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: Conduct research in state-of-the-art laboratories across MIT departments and interdisciplinary centers.
• Financial Support: Weekly stipend, round-trip travel to MIT, meal subsidy, and housing are provided.
• Campus Access: Enjoy access to MIT’s libraries, athletic facilities, and health services.

Requirements

The MIT Summer Research Program prioritizes access for students with demonstrated need, those for whom this opportunity can unlock potential. We want to understand your journey, the support systems available to you, and how MSRP can accelerate your growth.

In an effort to attract applicants with a variety of life experiences, the following students are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Students from non-traditional educational pathways, including those who have attended schools in rural, urban, or under-resourced communities, or institutions with lower rates of graduate school matriculation.
• Students who have demonstrated strong academic potential by overcoming barriers such as economic, social, or educational disadvantage. This may include experiences related to financial aid eligibility, first-generation college status, or limited access to academic resources.
• Students who have demonstrated skills and leadership in promoting belonging and inclusion in academic and research environments through mentoring, advocacy, community organizing, peer support, or creating welcoming spaces.
• Students with research interests focusing on underserved populations and understanding issues of inequalities.

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 U.S. institution of higher education located in the U.S. 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 2027.
  • 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.

Additional Information Regarding Eligibility for International Students

In addition to the Eligibility requirements above, If you are an international student on an F-1 visa, you are eligible for MSRP; however, you must obtain work authorization via Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) via your home institution before you begin the program on June 8, 2027.

Note: CPT authorization guidance significantly changed in August 2026. Contact your International Students Office immediately to determine if MSRP qualifies as mandatory CPT under current guidelines. You must have CPT or OPT approval by May 15, 2027.

Note: International students must study in the United States. U.S.-based institutions’ satellite campuses abroad, study abroad programs, hybrid programs and any arrangement with instruction outside the U.S. do not meet MSRP eligibility requirements.

Application Documents

Your complete application includes four components:

• Essay Questions (Complete All)
  You will answer questions about your academic journey, barriers you’ve faced, research interests, and how MSRP will accelerate your path to graduate education. All questions are required. We value clear, honest responses.
• CV (Curriculum Vitae)
  Submit a current CV that includes your education, research experience, skills, publications (if any), and any relevant activities or leadership roles. Keep it to 1–2 pages.
• Unofficial Transcript
  Upload an unofficial transcript from your institution. Your transcript must be UNLOCKED. If your transcript is locked or password-protected, your application will NOT be considered for admission. Contact your registrar to ensure your transcript is accessible before you submit your application.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  You will request two letters of recommendation from faculty, research mentors, or supervisors who can speak to your academic ability, research potential, and character. See instructions below.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the MIT webpage.