Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program (URP)

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Sophomores or juniors returning to an undergraduate degree. Students of any nationality can apply, but foreign students must be enrolled full-time at a US college or university on a student visa (or at a foreign university with an agreement with CSHL). US-government funded places need US citizenship or permanent residency.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Founded in 1959, the Undergraduate Research Program (URP) at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York is one of the oldest and most storied molecular biology summer fellowships in the world. Around 20–25 international and US undergraduates spend 10 weeks living and working on CSHL’s historic harbor campus, conducting independent research in cancer biology, neuroscience, plant genetics, genomics, or quantitative biology.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Sophomores or juniors returning to an undergraduate degree. Students of any nationality can apply, but foreign students must be enrolled full-time at a US college or university on a student visa (or at a foreign university with an agreement with CSHL). US-government funded places need US citizenship or permanent residency.
2. Note the deadline. Nov – Jan (annual; applications and recommendation letters close on 15 Jan at 23:59 Pacific time - the 2027 programme runs 7 Jun – 7 Aug) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Personal & Research Statement: Essay describing your scientific journey, prior laboratory or computational research experience, and preferred CSHL research tracks.; Curriculum Vitae & Coursework List: Summary of molecular biology, genetics, chemistry, or coding skills.; Academic Transcripts: Uploaded in English.; Two Letters of Recommendation: Submitted confidentially via the online portal by academic/research mentors..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Review by CSHL URP Faculty Committee → Lab Matching with CSHL Principal Investigators (Feb–Mar) → Notification by Mid-March.

Profile of past winners

Sophomores and juniors with hands-on wet-lab or bioinformatics research experience who convey deep intellectual curiosity for molecular mechanisms and experimental design.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program (URP)?

Sophomores or juniors returning to an undergraduate degree. Students of any nationality can apply, but foreign students must be enrolled full-time at a US college or university on a student visa (or at a foreign university with an agreement with CSHL). US-government funded places need US citizenship or permanent residency.

What does Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program (URP) cover?

Stipend of USD 7,000 plus room and board for the summer programme (about 10 weeks)

When is the deadline for Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program (URP)?

Nov – Jan (annual; applications and recommendation letters close on 15 Jan at 23:59 Pacific time - the 2027 programme runs 7 Jun – 7 Aug) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program (URP)?

Host countries: United States.

What documents do I need for Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program (URP)?

Personal & Research Statement: Essay describing your scientific journey, prior laboratory or computational research experience, and preferred CSHL research tracks.; Curriculum Vitae & Coursework List: Summary of molecular biology, genetics, chemistry, or coding skills.; Academic Transcripts: Uploaded in English.; Two Letters of Recommendation: Submitted confidentially via the online portal by academic/research mentors..

How are applicants selected for Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program (URP)?

Review by CSHL URP Faculty Committee → Lab Matching with CSHL Principal Investigators (Feb–Mar) → Notification by Mid-March.

How much work is the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program (URP) application?

Very High: Online CSHL URP Application + Personal Statement + Research Area Preferences + Official Transcripts + 2 Reference Letters