Students

Bring practical experience to your education by becoming an active part of faculty-led research.

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Apply Online (Once you have found your UROP)
Attention Students!

IAP Sponsored Research & Credit UROP Application Deadline 01.06.26 – Don’t Forget to also submit your Location Form!

MIT’s First Institute-Wide UROP Mixer Special IAP UROP Direct-Funding Deadline for First-time MIT First-Years

Explore more information ✨

Research Preparation and Training
Tips for Finding a UROP
Proposals & Evaluations
Student Advice & Resources
UROP for Wellesley Students

Real research. Endless opportunity.

UROP is your chance to work side-by-side with faculty, graduate students, and other mentors on the research projects happening across MIT. You’ll dig right in and become an active contributor to  their work. In the process, you’ll find endless opportunities to build critical skills, explore your interests and passions, and grow your professional network. 

When you UROP, you’re making a lasting impact by putting your learning into action. It’s a unique way to make your mark, and an important part of the MIT undergraduate journey.

Upcoming Deadlines for Students

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New to UROP? Start here.

Ready to make UROP part of your MIT experience but not really sure where to begin? Here are key steps to navigating the journey from A-to-UROP

01

Think about your goals

Take some time to think about what you want your UROP to be. Use our self-assessment guide to dig into your goals and interests, and explore the specific type of project you’d like to pursue. And be sure you connect with your academic and peer advisors to be certain that UROP fits with your plans for the academic term and year.  

02

Prepare and do your homework

Do some upfront preparation before you plunge into researching specific UROP opportunities. Develop or refine your resume so that it clearly articulates the value you’ll bring to a project. Then work with the UROP team if you need assistance in identifying labs that might conduct research of interest to you.

Learn more about preparing for UROPs.

03

Network and explore

There are a range of different ways to explore UROP opportunities. Network with faculty, advisors, coordinators and graduate students, review advertised UROP project listings, or explore department and lab websites. Our office can help you navigate these different channels, and we encourage you to explore multiple options. Once you’ve found an opportunity or opportunities you’re interested in, reach out directly to the lab or department to arrange a meeting.

Read more detailed advice on Finding UROPs.

04

Meet with faculty and mentors

Schedule conversations with faculty members, mentors, and supervisors at labs and departments where you’re interested in working. This is how you’ll learn what specific opportunities are available and what different faculty members are looking for, and is a chance to introduce yourself and your interests. Remember that the more people you meet, the more you’ll learn about the different opportunities available.

Check out our advice on approaching and meeting with faculty.

05

Write a project plan and submit your online application to formalize your UROP

Once you and your mentor have agreed to work together, you should download the UROP project plan template so that you can document your proposed project. It should provide specific information about your UROP project, your role in it, along with your personal motivation for participating and how the project aligns with your goals and expectations. This project plan will serve as a roadmap, and will allow the UROP team to support you throughout your journey.  Give yourself plenty of time to complete the proposal and upload it as part of your formal online UROP application.

06

Begin your research


Before diving into your project, review the UROP checklist to be sure you’ve completed any necessary application or registration requirements, and explore the resources on this site to learn about working with mentors and other ways to make the most of your experience. Our team is here to answer questions and to advise and support you throughout your UROP experience.

See our detailed advice on working with UROP mentors to help maximize your experience!

Student Advice & Resources

If you’re excited by the possibility of doing real-world research with MIT faculty and researchers, then you’re ready to UROP.

Check it Out