Apply Now: Santa Fe Institute UCR Program 2026 in the USA (Fully Funded)

The Santa Fe Institute has officially opened applications for the Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) Program 2026—one of the most prestigious and fully funded summer research opportunities in the United States. This 10-week residential program brings together talented undergraduate students from across the globe to work on cutting-edge research in complexity science under the mentorship of world-renowned SFI faculty.

The program takes place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, and is open to students enrolled in U.S. institutions as well as international students studying outside the United States. There are no citizenship restrictions, making it accessible to students from any country.

Below are the full details, including eligibility, benefits, and the application process.

Program Overview: Santa Fe Institute UCR Program 2026

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

Financial Benefits

All selected participants will receive full financial support, including:

Round-trip travel to and from Santa Fe, New Mexico
$7,000 stipend for the duration of the program
Free housing for all 10 weeks
Meals provided throughout the stay

About the UCR Program

The SFI Undergraduate Complexity Research Program is a rigorous 10-week residential experience focused on complexity science, an interdisciplinary field that studies the behavior of complex systems.

Program Objectives

Conduct an independent research project under the guidance of SFI mentors
Learn how to integrate theory, data, and methodologies from the physical, natural, and social sciences
Apply scientific tools to explore “big questions” about real-world systems
Build key academic skills through seminars, workshops, and research training
Prepare for graduate school or research careers

Who Can Apply?

The program welcomes undergraduate students from any academic background—physical sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, mathematics, and related fields.

Eligibility Requirements

Open to international and U.S.-based students
Must be currently enrolled (full-time or part-time) in an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program
Must plan to return to at least one additional undergraduate term after the program ends in August
Students who graduate before August 2026 are not eligible
Eligible applicants include:
- Students from 2-year institutions
- Students from 4-year institutions
- Transfer students (including those transferring during summer)
- Students in dual-degree programs (still in the undergraduate phase)