Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR)

Santa Fe Institute

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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

Undergraduates (associate or bachelor's) from any country whose citizens can travel to the US, who will keep studying for at least one more term after the programme and are authorised to work in the US (students abroad and international students at US schools can both apply).

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Founded by Nobel Laureates Murray Gell-Mann and Philip Anderson, the Santa Fe Institute (SFI) in New Mexico is the global epicenter of complex systems science. Its 10-week residential Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) program selects ~12–15 exceptional international and US undergraduates to develop an original theoretical or computational research project in complex networks, evolutionary dynamics, artificial life, collective intelligence, or scaling laws under the mentorship of SFI faculty.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Undergraduates (associate or bachelor's) from any country whose citizens can travel to the US, who will keep studying for at least one more term after the programme and are authorised to work in the US (students abroad and international students at US schools can both apply).
2. Note the deadline. Oct – Jan (annual; the 2027 round closes on 13 Jan 2027 at 16:00 MST) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Research Statement & Biographical Essay: Deep, original essays exploring a complex systems question that fascinates you and tracing your intellectual development.; Curriculum Vitae: Highlighting mathematical modeling, statistical physics, dynamical systems, agent-based modeling, or Python/Julia/C++ coding.; Official Academic Transcripts: University grade records.; Two Letters of Recommendation: Submitted confidentially by faculty mentors who can speak to your independent quantitative creativity..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Holistic Review by SFI Faculty Committee → Shortlisted Zoom Interviews Exploring Mathematical & Scientific Thinking (February) → Final Selection in March.

Profile of past winners

Intellectually bold undergraduates in physics, applied math, CS, or theoretical biology/economics who write a genuinely original essay on emergent phenomena or network dynamics rather than a standard lab summary.

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 Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR)?

Undergraduates (associate or bachelor's) from any country whose citizens can travel to the US, who will keep studying for at least one more term after the programme and are authorised to work in the US (students abroad and international students at US schools can both apply).

What does Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) cover?

A paid summer research programme in Santa Fe; stipend and living support are set each year (ask [email protected])

When is the deadline for Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR)?

Oct – Jan (annual; the 2027 round closes on 13 Jan 2027 at 16:00 MST) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR)?

Host countries: United States.

What documents do I need for Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR)?

Research Statement & Biographical Essay: Deep, original essays exploring a complex systems question that fascinates you and tracing your intellectual development.; Curriculum Vitae: Highlighting mathematical modeling, statistical physics, dynamical systems, agent-based modeling, or Python/Julia/C++ coding.; Official Academic Transcripts: University grade records.; Two Letters of Recommendation: Submitted confidentially by faculty mentors who can speak to your independent quantitative creativity..

How are applicants selected for Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR)?

Holistic Review by SFI Faculty Committee → Shortlisted Zoom Interviews Exploring Mathematical & Scientific Thinking (February) → Final Selection in March.

How much work is the Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) application?

Very High: Online SFI Application + Research Statement & Project Ideas + Biographical Essay + CV + Official Transcripts + 2 Reference Letters