MIT Summer Research Program 2027: Paid Research Internship in the USA

The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) 2027 offers undergraduates nine weeks of mentored research in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Participants work with MIT researchers, develop their academic skills and prepare for graduate study.

Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA — on campus
Program dates: June 7–August 7, 2027
Funding: Weekly stipend, housing, round-trip travel and meal subsidy
Deadline: January 19, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST)

What the program offers

Interns join research groups guided by faculty, with support from postdoctoral researchers and graduate students. The program combines hands-on research with faculty talks, professional-development sessions, graduate-school advising and community activities.

Participants prepare research writing and a graduate-school statement of purpose, then present their work at a poster symposium. Research areas span engineering, computing, science, architecture, the humanities and social sciences. Biology, biomedical sciences and neuroscience applicants should use the separate MSRP Biology/BCS application route.

Funding and benefits

• Weekly stipend; the amount is not stated on the program pages.
• University housing throughout the nine-week placement.
• Round-trip travel to MIT.
• Meal subsidy and some meals during program activities.
• Access to MIT research facilities, libraries and campus resources.

There is no participation fee. Food costs are subsidized rather than fully covered. Interns must attend on site for the full program and cannot take classes during the placement. Participation does not guarantee admission to an MIT graduate degree.

Who can apply?

• Full-time undergraduates at a degree-granting institution physically located in the United States or its territories, excluding MIT.
• Sophomores, juniors or non-graduating seniors with two academic years of college coursework completed by the program; high-school college credits do not count.
• Students whose graduation is December 2027 or later.
• Applicants with a 3.5 overall or major GPA on a 4.0 scale, and an interest in graduate study and academic research or teaching.
• U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA students and eligible international students with the necessary authorization.

MIT’s FAQ allows consideration below 3.5 where academic progress or personal circumstances demonstrate potential. International applicants must study in the U.S.; overseas campuses, exchange arrangements and instruction outside the U.S. do not qualify. F-1 students should consult their international-student office about CPT or OPT; MIT lists May 15, 2027 as the approval deadline.

Application documents

• Answers to all required essay questions.
• A current CV, normally one or two pages.
• An unlocked, unofficial transcript.
• Two recommendation letters submitted through the application system.

Choose recommenders who know your academic or research work. At least one should be a faculty member; applicants with research experience should include a research supervisor. Select research preferences carefully and contact recommenders early.

How to apply

1. Review the eligibility and application instructions and identify suitable research interests.
2. Complete the online application, essays and document uploads.
3. Request two letters and check that both arrive before the deadline.
4. Submit everything by January 19, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

Applicants should expect decisions by March 31. For program questions, email msrp@mit.edu.

Apply for MIT MSRP 2027 ↗