Eligibility & Application

What We’re Looking For

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.

MSRP General Eligibility Criteria

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.

Non Discrimination Policy

MIT prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of protected class including race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other Institute administered programs and activities.  MSRP is open to students of all backgrounds and does not consider race, ethnicity, sex, or other protected characteristics in its admission processes

How to Apply to MSRP

Program DatesJune 7 – August 7, 2027
Application OpensSeptember 28, 2026
Application DeadlineJanuary 19, 2027

Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 19, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET

All application materials must be submitted by this deadline. Applications submitted after 11:59 PM ET on January 19 will not be accepted. This includes all required documents and letters of recommendation, no exceptions.

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).

Are you interested in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, and Neuroscience, including Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience?

If so, please apply directly to MSRP Biology/BCS.

What You’ll Submit

Your complete application includes four components:

1.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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

    Deadline for Letters

    f we do not receive both letters of recommendation by Tuesday, January 19, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET, your application will be considered INCOMPLETE and will NOT be reviewed or considered for admission.

    • Your recommenders will receive a link to submit letters directly through our system.
    • They will have until January 19 to submit.
    • You are responsible for ensuring your recommenders submit on time, follow up with them, especially as the deadline approaches.
    • MIT cannot extend the deadline for missing letters.

    Do Not Submit Extra Letters:

    Please request only two letters of recommendation. Additional letters beyond the required two will not be reviewed and will not strengthen your application. If you submit more than two, we will only review the first two received.

    Important Notes

    1. MSRP General does not accept applications for the following MIT departments who host their own summer programs.
    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.

    MIT Division of Graduate and Undergraduate Education
    gue@mit.edu