BSURP FAQ

The BSURP program is internally funded by Stanford and is intended for Stanford undergraduate students only. If you are not a Stanford student, please refer to Stanford's Office of Science Outreach for research opportunities.

The Biology Summer Undergraduate Research Program (BSURP) is a full-time ten-week commitment from June 24th to August 30th, 2024.  As a BSURP participant, you are committed to working a maximum of 40 hours per week for 10 weeks over Summer Quarter.

The final presentation/poster symposium will take place in week 10 and participation and attendance are required. 

Please note: BSURP interns are not permitted to engage in another full-time internship, job, or volunteer opportunity (whether funded by Stanford or otherwise).

Yes! All participants will receive $7500 for their full-time research, with a need-based supplement (of up to $1500) for eligible students. The Financial Aid department determines if a student qualifies for a need-based supplement.

All BSURP interns are required to secure their own housing for the summer. As a program affiliate, you will have the option of enrolling in on-campus summer housing. You are welcome to organize your own housing while participating in the program; however, we strongly recommend that you enroll in the on‐campus housing option. 

To apply for summer housing, submit an application for summer housing with the Housing Assignment Services Office. Please consult the housing office for more information regarding summer housing deadlines.

Yes, as a first‐year student you are eligible to apply for a BSURP internship. You may find that many of the BSURP projects are aimed at freshman and sophomores. We encourage you to apply!

Yes, co-term students who have not conferred their undergraduate degree at the end of the Spring Quarter and who are still paying undergraduate (not graduate) tuition are eligible to apply to the BSURP program.

Yes, all Stanford undergraduate students are eligible to apply to the BSURP program.

Yes, you can apply again, however, priority is given to first time participants.

As a BSURP participant, you are committed to working a maximum of 40 hours per week for 10 weeks over Summer Quarter. 

Accepting A BSURP position implies that you agree to be available for the entire ten‐week program. You should consult with your faculty advisor regarding your specific work schedule and work schedule flexibility.

Please note: BSURP interns are not permitted to engage in another full-time internship, job, or volunteer opportunity (whether funded by Stanford or otherwise).

If you are offered a BSURP position, you may request a short extension. If you need an extension, please get approval from your mentor or advisor and the BSURP Coordinator. 

Extensions will be granted to students who have legitimate concerns only, i.e., impending job offers. Please note that the University has a deadline for when student names must be submitted for summer work, these deadlines cannot be extended. Once you accept a BSURP position, we expect you to fully participate in the program for the entire 10 weeks.

Biology professors submit projects for students to choose from. Students may select their top 1-3 project choices in order of preference. 

All applications must be submitted by the application deadline, no exceptions can be made. 

Unfortunately, after the students submit their application, they will not be allowed to change their project preferences. Professors are notified of the students who chose their project(s) and then review their application and submit their candidate list to the Students Services Officer. Some faculty may decide to have a waitlist of applicants.

Selected students will receive offer letters with the next steps. Students will have 1‐2 weeks to decide whether to accept or decline an internship.

Yes, all applicants will be contacted whether they receive an offer letter or not. 

Quite possibly, you should speak with your mentor/advisor. Many students also choose to continue their projects into the academic year.

The Biology department is not in a position to answer questions about how/if student grants might affect taxes, however, no deductions are taken out of your stipend. Students who receive stipends should consult with Student Financial Services and the IRS about scholarships and grants which are received.

Yes, restrictions:

1. Students must not register for more than 5 units of coursework during their program participation.
2. Students must not work more than 10 hours per week outside of their research project duties.
3. Students must meet the eligibility requirements outlined on the VPUE website.
4. Students are responsible for securing their own housing for the summer. If they do not choose to enroll in on-campus summer housing, they will need to make their own housing arrangements.
5. Failure to complete the BSURP summer research commitment may result in the removal of the program and/or the stipend being reversed or partially reversed. 

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES/FUNDING for Stanford students only.

Other research opportunities can be found on the Office of Science Outreach,  Undergraduate Research and Independent Project, Hopkins Marine Station, DoR Funding Resources, SESUR, On & Off Campus (SOLO), BEAM Fellows Program, Stanford Handshake websites, Summer Equity Grant (for FLI students only). For funding to support a self-initiated, or original scholarly project, please visit the research grant offered by the VPUE.