Santa Fe Institute UCR Program 2026 (Fully Funded) – 10-Week Research Experience in the USA

Apply for the fully funded Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) Program 2026 in the USA. Open to international and U.S. students. Includes travel support, housing, meals, and a $7,000 stipend. Deadline: January 14, 2026.

Santa Fe Institute UCR Program 2026 in the USA (Fully Funded) – Applications Now Open

The Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) Program 2026 is now accepting applications. This prestigious fully funded 10-week summer research program in the USA brings together outstanding undergraduate students from around the world to explore complexity science through hands-on research and mentorship.

Hosted in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the program is open to all nationalities, with no citizenship restrictions, making it one of the most accessible and globally inclusive summer research opportunities in the United States.

If you’re looking for a fully funded research internship in the USA in 2026, this program is an excellent opportunity to work with leading scientists and gain world-class research experience.

Also Check:Applications Open for Global Solvers Accelerator 2026

Program Overview

• Host Country: United States of America
• Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Program Duration: 10 Weeks
• Program Dates: May 31 – August 8, 2026
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Application Deadline: January 14, 2026

Financial Benefits . What the Program Covers

The SFI UCR Program 2026 is fully funded and provides generous support to ensure participants can focus entirely on their research.

Participants will receive:

• Travel support to and from Santa Fe, New Mexico
• $7,000 stipend for living expenses
• Free housing throughout the program
• Free meals
• Full access to research facilities, workshops, and seminars

This funding package makes it one of the top fully funded research programs in the USA for international students.

About the SFI UCR Program – What You Will Learn

This 10-week program introduces students to the field of complexity science, a cross-disciplinary approach to understanding real-world systems.

Program objectives include:

• Conducting independent research under the guidance of Santa Fe Institute mentors
• Learning how to integrate theory, methods, and data from physics, mathematics, biology, social science, and computer science
• Applying transdisciplinary approaches to solve real-world challenges
• Participating in workshops, lectures, and professional development sessions
• Preparing for graduate school or research careers

Students produce and present a full research project by the end of the program.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

The SFI UCR Program welcomes students from all academic disciplines, as long as their interests align with complexity research.

Eligibility Requirements:

✔ Open to U.S. and international students from any country
✔ Applicants must be enrolled in an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree program
✔ Students must return to at least one more semester of undergraduate study after August 2026
✔ Part-time, full-time, and transfer students are eligible
✔ Dual-degree students may apply if still in the undergraduate portion of their program

Not Eligible:

✘ Students who will graduate before August 8, 2026

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the following:

• Academic CV or résumé
• Research statements, including a brief project proposal
• One letter of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

How to Apply for the Santa Fe Institute UCR Program 2026

All applications must be submitted through the official SFI website.

Apply here

Make sure to submit your application before January 14, 2026.