Every summer, MIT offers an incredible opportunity for undergraduates across the U.S. the chance to join the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP). This fully funded program, hosted by MIT’s Office of Graduate Education, allows students to spend the summer doing real research in top laboratories with guidance from expert mentors.
If you’re interested in research, thinking about graduate school, or looking to boost your academic experience, MSRP can be a powerful stepping stone. The 2026 program will once again provide everything you need mentorship, housing, stipend, and full access to MIT’s research environment.
What Is MSRP?
The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) is a hands-on, research-focused summer experience created to help undergraduates especially those from underrepresented groups prepare for graduate school and careers in research. Organized by MIT’s Office of Graduate Education, the program places students in real MIT labs where they work on their own research project with the support of expert mentors.
MSRP spans many departments, from biology and brain sciences to engineering and computer science. Some areas even offer special versions of the program, like the Gould MSRP in Biology. Alongside research, students attend workshops, seminars, and community events throughout the summer.
What You Get from the Program
MSRP is fully funded, meaning all major costs are covered. Participants receive:
Free on-campus housing for the summer.
A weekly stipend to handle living costs.
Travel support to and from MIT (mainly for domestic travel; international students at U.S. schools should check rules).
Meal assistance, including a food allowance and program meals.
Access to MIT’s facilities labs, library, fitness center, health services, etc.
Full-time research experience, working side by side with MIT researchers on real scientific projects.
Training and workshops on graduate school, scientific writing, presentations, networking, and ethics.
End-of-summer project requirements, such as abstracts, reports, or poster presentations.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for MSRP 2026, you must:
Be a full-time undergraduate at a U.S. college or university (not MIT).
Be a sophomore, junior, or a senior who will not graduate before December 2026.
Have a 3.5 GPA or higher (flexibility exists for promising students with strong context).
Truly be interested in research and pursuing graduate school in the future.
If international, be studying full-time at a U.S. institution.
Who the Program Especially Encourages
You’re strongly encouraged to apply if you:
Come from an underserved or underrepresented academic background.
Have faced obstacles but still show determination and academic promise.
Want to explore a career in science, engineering, or related research fields.
Note:
Freshmen are not eligible, as the program requires at least two years of completed coursework. MIT students should apply to UROP instead of MSRP.
How to Apply for MSRP 2026
Make Sure You’re Eligible
Check that your GPA, academic standing, enrollment in a U.S. college, and other requirements match the program guidelines.Gather Your Documents
CV or résumé showing relevant classes, lab skills, and activities
Unofficial transcripts from your school(s)
Personal statement explaining your research interests, why MIT interests you, and how MSRP fits your future plans
Top 3 research choices (departments, faculty, or research topics)
Two recommendation letters, including one from a science professor or research mentor
Submit Your Application
Deadline: January 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.Wait for Results
You’ll hear back around March 31. If accepted, follow the instructions to secure your spot.Get Ready for the Program
Sort out travel, housing, and any required forms. The program starts in early June (around June 8, 2026).
What Your Summer Will Look Like
Working in a Research Lab
You’ll join an MIT research group and work full-time on a real science or engineering project. You’ll be mentored by faculty, graduate students, and other researchers.
You cannot take summer classes while participating MSRP is full-time.
Learning & Workshops
You’ll attend weekly sessions on:
How to apply to grad school
Ethics in research
Presenting and writing scientifically
Building research and analysis skills
Living on Campus
Students stay in MIT’s summer dorms and enjoy group activities such as:
Boston and Cambridge outings
Social events
Community dinners
Relaxed hangouts with other interns
End-of-Summer Presentation
You’ll present your research through:
A poster session, or
A talk or written report
You may also receive help writing a strong graduate school statement of purpose.
Why MSRP Is Worth It
Access to MIT’s world-class labs
Real experience working on research problems
A strong boost to your grad school applications
Valuable mentorship and networking
A supportive community of motivated peers
Challenges to Keep in Mind
Admission is extremely competitive
You cannot work or take classes during the program
The 8–10 week term is intense
The stipend is helpful but requires budgeting
Participation does not guarantee MIT grad admission
How to Boost Your Chances of Getting into MSRP 2026
If you’re planning to apply for the 2026 MIT Summer Research Program, here are some detailed suggestions that can help make your application shine:
1. Start the Preparation Process Early
Give yourself plenty of time to collect the required documents your transcripts, résumé, and recommendation letters. Starting early allows you to think clearly about your research interests and which labs at MIT match your goals.
2. Choose Research Areas That Truly Fit You
Your application will stand out more if your interests align with specific MIT labs or departments. Explore the research groups on MIT’s website and narrow your preferences to about two or three that genuinely fit your academic strengths. Then make sure your application communicates that alignment clearly.
3. Put Serious Effort into Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is where you show who you are. Use it to explain what excites you about research, why MIT is the right place for you, and what you hope to gain from the program. Be honest, clear, and specific about your long-term goals and how MSRP fits into them.
4. Ask for Meaningful Recommendation Letters
Choose recommenders who know you well especially those who have seen your academic work or research potential firsthand. A strong letter from a professor or research mentor can significantly strengthen your application by highlighting your capabilities and scientific curiosity.
5. Share Your Passion and Your Story
MSRP values applicants with determination, curiosity, and diverse experiences. If you’ve faced challenges or come from a background with limited academic resources, don’t hesitate to mention it. Showing resilience and growth helps your application feel genuine and compelling.
6. Stay Flexible About Potential Labs
While it’s great to have a dream lab in mind, being open to related research areas can improve your chances of being placed. Flexibility shows that you’re adaptable and enthusiastic about learning, regardless of the exact lab environment.
7. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Submitting early not only reduces stress but also avoids potential issues with slow uploads, incomplete documents, or missing recommendations. Early submission also allows your recommenders more time to submit strong letters.
8. Keep Backup Plans in Place
MSRP is extremely selective, so it’s smart to apply to other summer research programs at the same time. Having multiple options ensures that you can still gain valuable research experience, even if you are not selected for MSRP.
Official resources & links Used
- MIT OGE — MSRP main page
- MSRP FAQs (costs, stipend, housing)
- MSRP application & eligibility
- MSRP Biology / BSG-MSRP pages (example departmental track):
The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) offers an exceptional, fully funded pathway for students eager to immerse themselves in high-impact research at one of the world’s leading institutions. Whether you’re preparing for graduate school, seeking meaningful laboratory or computational research experience, or aiming to strengthen your academic foundation, MSRP provides the mentorship, resources, and environment to help you grow.
To give yourself the best chance of being selected, plan ahead: begin gathering your materials early, secure strong, supportive recommendation letters, and write a personal statement that clearly demonstrates your passion for research and your motivation for pursuing graduate studies at MIT. A well-prepared application not only highlights your readiness for research but also shows why MIT and the department you’re applying to is the ideal place for the next stage of your academic journey.