The National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) are hundreds of research opportunities for undergraduate students at research sites in the United States and abroad. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, financial assistance with housing and travel. Go to Search for an REU Site to examine opportunities in the subject areas supported by various NSF units. Students must contact the individual sites for information and application materials. 

National Deadline

Varies. Each REU site has its own application process and deadline. Most deadlines fall between December and late February, although there are exceptions.  

Institutional Nomination

This scholarship does not require institutional nomination. Candidates are encouraged to work with Fellowships Advising on their application. 

Eligibility Requirements

Specific requirements vary based on the REU site, but in general, they are looking for: 

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents (This criterion is required by NSF, there are no exceptions). 

• Undergraduate students who have completed at least their freshman year and will not be graduating before the start of the program. Some REUs require applicants to have one more full-time semester *after* the REU experience. Students who are not currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for the program. 

• Experience in the discipline they are applying under. Some REUs may have minimum GPA requirements. 

• Under-represented minority students in science and engineering fields are encouraged to apply.