Off-Campus SURF

Caltech students are able to apply to do a SURF with a mentor at another university here in the US or abroad. Please review the following information before seeking this opportunity.

Students considering an off-campus SURF are REQUIRED to attend an Off-Campus SURF Information Session held during fall and winter terms.

Students are not allowed to SURF at a location with a US Department of State Level 3 Travel Advisory or above or Do Not Travel warning.

Remote SURFs are not allowed. Students must conduct their research at the mentor's home institution.

All off-campus SURF applications need to identify a Caltech faculty member to serve as an associate mentor. The associate mentor should be in a similar research area. Click here for more about the role of an associate mentor.

Students will be responsible for managing (and paying for) all visa requirements, travel, and housing. Please consider the impact of these additional costs, especially if you want to go somewhere with a high cost of living.

Important information about funding: SFP offers cost-sharing with mentors for the most competitive of applications. Off-campus mentors will be asked to pay half of the SURF award and for all research-related costs. If a mentor is unable to provide half of the award, there is a good chance that a SURF award will not be made. You should discuss this with your proposed mentor BEFORE applying.

Additionally, please note that some schools (i.e. MIT and Stanford) may have additional fees for visiting students. Either the student or the mentor will be responsible for paying these.

To apply for an off-campus SURF, please use the standard SURF application. All other SURF eligibility requirements apply.