SURF Application

The 2026 SURF Program application will be open at a date TBD. 

Application Tips 

• Use the SURF Gaithersburg application to apply for fellowships in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
• Use the SURF Boulder application to apply for fellowships in Boulder, Colorado​​​.
• Use the SURF Charleston application to apply for fellowships at the Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina.
• To be considered for multiple locations, apply to the programs (Gaithersburg and Boulder and Charleston) separately. However, applicants may upload the same documents for each application.
• First-year and graduating seniors (defined as seniors participating in the Winter or Spring Commencement) are encouraged to apply to the program.
• We consider the impact participating in SURF will have on an applicant's future career in research.
• All projects depend upon the availability of funds.
• NIST extends offers via email from March 1 -  April 15. Due to a waiting list process, successful applicants must accept promptly after receiving an offer.
• Visit our FAQ page for more information.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the online application and supporting documents well before the announcement closing date. 

Problems Completing Your Application

If you have problems completing your online application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please email surf [at] nist.gov (surf[at]nist[dot]gov). In your email, specify your application location(s).

You must complete this application and submit all required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on the announcement closing date. Paper applications will not be accepted.