Summer Opportunities

Yale offer summer and academic year research opportunities for undergraduates, postgraduates, and matriculating students through the Office for Graduate Student Development & Diversity and the Early Start Program.

Research Prep Programs

Undergraduates and recent college graduates looking to expand their research experience prior to starting graduate school are invited to find out more about our SURF and Post-bac programs. Requirements include having US citizenship or permanent residency and having earned or earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. For more information, visit https://gsas.yale.edu/diversity/prospective-students.

Historically underrepresented students, first-generation college graduates, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and women in STEM are encouraged to apply.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

The SURF Program is intended for students with a strong desire to pursue research careers at the PhD level. We’re particularly interested in identifying and providing research experience to talented under-represented students. Preference is given to students completing their sophomore or junior years, but other students with persuasive plans for research may be considered.

ESI Prep

The ESI PREP program gives participants the knowledge and skills necessary for success in graduate school. The initiative is open to recent college graduates in all divisions (e.g. humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and engineering) who have a strong desire to pursue a PhD. Students from backgrounds under-represented in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply.

Early Start Research for Matriculates

Matriculating students are invited to begin their physics research in the summer, prior to their Fall start. Accepted students are encouraged to contact faculty to inquire about paid summer research opportunities. Once a student has found a research opportunity, Early Start applications can be obtained in late April/early May by contacting Stacey Watts, graduate registrar, at stacey.watts@yale.edu.