The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is an 8–12 week research immersion run by INSAIT — the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology — in Sofia, Bulgaria. Modeled on the summer research programs at MIT, Caltech and ETH Zurich, it pairs motivated undergraduates with INSAIT faculty to work on a real research project in computer science, artificial intelligence and related fields. 2026 was the fourth edition, following launches in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Fellows build a project plan with a mentor, write a conference-style final report and present it in the INSAIT seminar series.
Benefits & funding
- Monthly stipend of €1,500 (EUR)
- Housing in Sofia arranged and paid for by INSAIT
- Travel expenses covered
- Visa assistance provided
- Mentorship from INSAIT faculty and access to its research community
- Duration: 8–12 weeks over the summer (approximately June–August); exact dates agreed with the mentor
Eligibility
- Undergraduate students enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at any accredited university (first-year students and spring graduates are eligible)
- Major in a STEM field: computer science, mathematics, physics or engineering
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 / 4.0 or the equivalent
- No nationality or citizenship restriction stated
- No stated language requirement
Application process
- 1Prepare a current CV, an unofficial transcript, and a one-page motivation letter (all PDF).
- 2Submit the materials through INSAIT’s online application platform before the deadline.
- 3Applications are reviewed and a shortlist is notified.
- 4Shortlisted candidates are interviewed; accepted fellows confirm their place and plan the project with a mentor before the program begins.
Program timeline
Applications open
Feb 4, 2026
Application deadline (23:59 EET)
Mar 8, 2026
Shortlist notifications
Mar 20, 2026
Interviews
Mar 23, 2026 to Mar 30, 2026
Acceptance notifications
Mar 31, 2026
Program runs (approximate)
Jun 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2026