Overview
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2026 is a prestigious and highly competitive research program designed to provide outstanding undergraduate students from around the world with an immersive research experience during the summer. Hosted by the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) in Sofia, Bulgaria, the program enables participants to work closely with leading faculty members and researchers on cutting-edge problems in computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and related fields.
The SURF program is inspired by and modeled after some of the world’s most successful undergraduate research initiatives at institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and ETH Zurich. Its core objective is to expose talented undergraduate students to rigorous academic research early in their careers and to prepare them for future graduate studies and research-oriented professions.
Now in its fourth edition, SURF builds on the strong success of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cohorts. Participants from previous years have made meaningful contributions to ongoing research projects and, in many cases, co-authored papers submitted to top-tier international conferences in computer science and artificial intelligence. The program continues to foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where students can gain hands-on research experience and mentorship from world-class scholars.
Program Duration and Structure
The SURF 2026 program runs for a period of 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the nature and scope of the research project. The exact duration is determined jointly by the student and their assigned mentor prior to the start of the program. To ensure maximum learning and engagement, all research projects must be conducted on-site.
Participants are required to be physically present at the INSAIT campus in Sofia, Bulgaria, for a minimum of eight weeks and no more than twelve weeks during the summer period. Remote or virtual participation is not permitted, as the program emphasizes close collaboration, regular mentorship meetings, and active involvement in the institute’s research culture.
Financial Support and Benefits
All selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of €1,500, intended to cover day-to-day living expenses during their stay in Bulgaria. In addition to the stipend, INSAIT will arrange and fully cover the cost of student accommodation, ensuring participants have a comfortable and convenient place to live throughout the program.
The program also covers travel expenses to and from Bulgaria and provides comprehensive visa support for international participants who require entry permits. This fully funded structure allows students to focus entirely on their research without financial constraints.
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Eligibility and Who Can Apply
The SURF program is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at any accredited university worldwide. Applicants must be pursuing a STEM-related major, including but not limited to computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, or closely related disciplines.
To be eligible, applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or an equivalent academic standing according to their institution’s grading system. INSAIT strongly encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields, as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion in research.
Application Timeline
- Application opens: February 4, 2026
- Application deadline: March 8, 2026 (23:59 EET)
- Application review period: March 9 – March 20, 2026
- Shortlisting and interview invitations: March 20, 2026
- Online interviews: March 23 – March 30, 2026
- Final selection announcements: March 31, 2026
- Confirmation of participation: March 31 – April 10, 2026
- Project planning with mentors: April 10 – April 30, 2026
- Research period: June 1 – August 31, 2026 (maximum of 12 weeks)
Application Process
Interested students must submit their applications through the official INSAIT online application platform before the stated deadline. A complete application includes the following documents, all submitted in PDF format:
- A current academic curriculum vitae (CV)
- An unofficial university transcript
- A one-page motivation letter
The motivation letter should clearly explain:
- Why the applicant is interested in the SURF program,
- The general research areas they wish to explore, and
- Any prior research experience, if applicable.
Program Requirements and Deliverables
Throughout the fellowship, participants are expected to actively engage in their assigned research projects and fulfill several academic requirements. These include developing a project plan in collaboration with their mentor at the beginning of the program, submitting a final written report structured like a conference paper, and delivering a final presentation as part of the INSAIT seminar series. In many cases, the final report is prepared with the intention of submission to a suitable international research conference.
For more details and application guidance, prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the official SURF page:
👉 https://insait.ai/surf/