SURF Frequently Asked Questions

I am planning to graduate in spring of 2024, am I eligible?

This fellowship program is aimed at giving research opportunities to undergraduates to encourage them along a career path in biomedical science. If you are a senior or are planning on graduating in the spring of 2024, you must indicate very specifically on the application how a summer research fellowship will benefit your career path, and specifically outline your immediate plans after the fellowship is completed. If you do not, it will be assumed your career plans are already set and your application will not receive high priority.

I am in a masters program, am I eligible?

This fellowship program is aimed at giving research opportunities to undergraduates to encourage them along a career path in biomedical science. If you are a masters student and currently funded by a fellowship, traineeship, or paid for teaching, you are not eligible. Because this is a full time position, you cannot take any classes during the fellowship program. If you still would like to apply, you must specifically defend why a summer fellowship would benefit your career path.

I am not currently enrolled but I am planning on enrolling as a freshman in Spring, Summer or Fall of 2024, am I eligible?

No, you are not eligible.

I am a freshman in college, am I eligible?

Yes, you are eligible to apply. 

Can I take classes during the fellowship?

No, the fellowship assumes you will be working at least 40 hours a week for the entire fellowship period.

What if I am planning on a family vacation during the middle of the summer?

The fellowship assumes you will work at least 40 hours per week for the entire fellowship period of 12 weeks (480 hours). Some flexibility might be allowed if you make prior arrangements with your mentor to make up for the time absent. You must attend the research symposium at the end of the summer.

Is housing provided by the fellowship program?

No. However, it is usually quite easy to find a reasonable summer sublet in Ann Arbor as many students leave Ann Arbor for spring/summer semesters and summer break.

Are international students eligible?

If you currently have or are able to obtain a visa that makes you eligible to be employed at the University of Michigan (typically a J-1 visa with approval to work at University of Michigan), then you are eligible to apply. The fellowship program does not provide administrative assistance in obtaining visas, nor do we provide for visa costs, travel costs, or housing costs. Therefore, please consider these costs before applying. More information about visas and eligibility for employment can be found at http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/. Documents proving your visa status will be required for you to be able to accept the award and for you to be employed at the University, if you are ultimately chosen for a fellowship position.

If you have any further questions, please contact us at [email protected].