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Summer Research Academy

Welcome to your Ivy League research experience!

International undergraduates: Apply to conduct summer research with world-class Cornell University faculty and research teams in summer 2025. 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 and other partners worldwide. To apply, you must be currently enrolled at one of Cornell's participating exchange partners. 

Visit International Exchange for academic year opportunities. If your university does not have an exchange agreement with Cornell, explore coming to campus through the Visiting International Student Program or joining us for one of our short-term programs in another country.

Participating Exchange Partners

  • Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Imperial College London
  • National Taiwan University
  • National University of Singapore
  • Technical University of Denmark
  • Universidad San Francisco de Quito
  • University College London
  • University of Edinburgh

What You'll Love About Your Summer

Fireworks over Cornell campus

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

Student researchers in Martin Y. and Margaret Lee Tang Hall

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!

Questions? Email our Summer Research Academy advisor.

Eligibility

You must be nominated by your home institution in order to apply for summer exchange. 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 exchange partners will receive an email with nomination instructions and a link to the online nomination form. To nominate a student, partners must provide the following information via the online 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.

Students relaxing on the Arts Quad

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:

Your costs for on-campus housing and a meal plan will be added to your bursar bill. Costs vary greatly according to personal habits and choices.

Estimated Cost of Participation

Registration Fee (including application fee)$750
Visa Fees (F-1 application and SEVIS fee)$535
Cornell University Summer Housing
(42 days)
Single-Occupancy: $64/night = $2,688
Double-Occupancy: $52.75/night = $2,216
Cornell University Student Health Insurance Program$654 (estimated)
Summer Student Health Fee$145
Meal Costs Summer Meal Plan: $1,575 (15 meals/week through Cornell Dining)
Self-catering: $900 (estimated)
Local Transportation (TCAT bus)$50 (estimated OmniRide bus pass)
Travel to IthacaVaries 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 as an exchange student, OGL will provide information on applying for a student visa. The undergraduate admissions office 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)

Questions?

Email Us