International undergraduates: Apply to conduct summer research with world-class Cornell University faculty and research teams in summer 2026. You'll gain valuable hands-on experience, meet mentors and international peers—and enjoy an unforgettable six weeks in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes.
Summer Research Academy internships are open to undergraduates from select Cornell Global Hubs universities. To apply, you must be currently enrolled at one of Cornell's participating Global Hubs partners.
Summer Research Academy gives you immersive research experience on a project that complements your academic interests—and a close-knit group to join you as you discover campus and Ithaca.
You'll connect and learn with your research team as you intern 20 hours per week and earn six S/U credits. In your free time, you'll live in a Cornell residence hall with fellow international interns and make friends over meals on campus and at regular Summer Research Academy events and excursions.
"Ithaca is Gorges" in the summer—so you'll want to jump in! Experience summertime traditions like outdoor concerts on the Arts Quad, Cornell Dairy Bar ice cream, and Independence Day fireworks. Hike from campus along spectacular Fall Creek and Cascadilla Gorge trails—or enjoy a lazy afternoon at Cornell Botanic Gardens. Go boating or take a dip in Cayuga Lake. And don't miss Taughannock Falls! It's three stories taller than Niagara.
Get Started
Your journey as a summer intern starts with your home institution selecting and nominating you to study at Cornell. Eligible students then complete an online application. Our office reviews applications and issues acceptances, including required immigration status materials and arrival information.
If you come to Cornell for Summer Research Academy, we will advise you before, during, and after your six-week program. We look forward to welcoming you to campus!
You must be nominated by your home institution in order to apply for Summer Research Academy. You're eligible to apply if you also meet these criteria:
You're an undergraduate with at least two full-time semesters of university study complete.
You have the equivalent of a United States grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
You can demonstrate your proficiency in English with a TOEFL iBT score of 100, Duolingo score of 130, or IELTS score of 7.5. Alternately, you are a native English speaker or attend an institution where instruction is in English.
Nomination Procedure
Cornell's participating Hubs partners will receive an email with nomination instructions and a link to the nomination form. To nominate a student, partners must provide the following information via the form:
Partner contact information (university name, institutional contact)
Student contact information (name, preferred email address*)
Current year of study
Major/area of study at home institution
Once nominated through the form, students will receive the application link via email.
*Partners: Please confirm students' preferred email address to make sure they receive the application link. We've experienced some problems with outlook.com email addresses. Notify the Summer Research Academy advisor if a nominated student does not receive the application message.
Your Application
After your home institution nominates you, the Office of Global Learning (OGL) will send you an email with instructions for accessing and completing the online application. Email us if you have additional questions about your application.
Gather Your Documents
You'll need to submit the following documents as part of your online application:
Statement of interest
Resume or curriculum vitae
Undergraduate transcripts
Proof of English language proficiency
Prepare to Attend
We hope we'll have the opportunity to welcome you to campus! Here are some key factors to consider as you apply. We will provide further information if you're admitted.
Finances
Exchange students do not pay Cornell tuition, but are responsible for charges billed through Cornell's Office of the Bursar system:
Cornell University Student Health Insurance Program
$685 (estimated)
Summer Student Health Fee
$145
Meal Costs
Optional Summer Meal Plan: $659 (30 meals/week through Cornell Dining, plus $200 in summer bucks) Additional Meals: $151 (10 meals) Self-catering: $900 (estimated)
Local Transportation (TCAT bus)
$50
Travel to Ithaca
Varies on departure location
Housing
All Summer Research Academy participants are required to live in Cornell University summer housing in either single- or double-occupancy rooms.
Student Visa
Unless you are a U.S. citizen, you must have a student visa to enter the United States for your Cornell studies.
After you're accepted into Summer Research Academy, OGL and the School of Continuing Education (SCE) will provide information on applying for a student visa. SCE will prepare your I-20. You will be asked to provide the following information to the I-20 portal:
Scanned copy of your passport
Declaration of finances (required form with bank letter or statement attached)
