United States · Fully funded
University of Rochester iScholar Summer Research Program 2027
Updated 1 November 2026
iScholar is the International Student Summer Research Program run by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Rochester in New York, USA. It gives outstanding chemistry students from outside the United States two months of hands-on research experience in a Rochester lab. It's an excellent step towards a funded chemistry PhD in the US.
What the programme covers
- A weekly stipend for living expenses
- On-campus accommodation
- Health insurance
- Registration and tuition fees linked to the programme
- Up to US$1,250 towards travel costs
Not covered: visa and SEVIS fees.
Programme dates
Last year's programme ran from 1 June to 31 July. If your academic calendar is different, you can say when you're available in your application and the programme will try to set dates that work for you.
Who can apply
- Undergraduate or master's students studying outside the US, or recent graduates of a non-US university
- Studying chemistry or a related field (such as physics, biology, engineering or computer science)
- Not enrolled in, and never started, a PhD
- Planning to apply for a chemistry PhD in the US (preference for students starting a PhD soon)
- All nationalities
- No English test is required
Documents you need
- Online application form
- Unofficial transcript, with an English translation (you can translate it yourself)
- CV in PDF format
- Contact details for two professors who know your work (they will be asked for reference letters)
How to apply
- Watch the official iScholar page for the 2027 call.
- Prepare your transcript, CV and two referees now.
- Submit the online application before the deadline. Last year it closed on 23 January.
- Decisions are usually made in late March.
For questions, email [email protected].
Tips
- Tell your professors early so they're ready to write reference letters.
- Highlight any lab or research experience in your CV, such as a final-year project, lab assistant work or publications.
- Explain your PhD plans clearly. The programme is for students aiming for a US chemistry PhD.
- Applying is free. Never pay anyone to apply for you.