Fellowships & Scholarships

CNS Summer Experiential Learning Fellowships (SELF) support undergraduate students in the College of Natural Sciences as they pursue domestic or international experiential learning opportunities — such as research or internships — during Summer 2027. Both UT-affiliated programs and self-sourced experiences are eligible. Strong preference will be given to unpaid and underpaid opportunities.

Fellowship funds are awarded as a student stipend only and may not be used for research costs, supplies, publishing costs, or other project expenses. A portion of SELF funds are reserved for students conducting research at a Texas Field Station Network site — students in TFSN settings are especially encouraged to apply, though all eligible CNS students may apply regardless of experience location.

Fellowship applications will be reviewed twice during the spring semester:

• Early review for non-UT experiences: Submit by March 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM
• Final deadline for all experiences: Submit by April 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM
• Decisions for experiences on UT campus will be made after the April 15 deadline

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a full-time, degree-seeking CNS undergraduate student
• Must graduate in Summer 2027 or later
• Home institution must be UT Austin
• Must secure confirmation of the experience before applying
• Domestic experiences must total at least 160 hours; international experiences must total at least 120 hours (no more than 40 hours per week)
• Fellowships cannot be awarded for FRI-related experiences, UT May term faculty-led programs, or CNS Abroad Medical Shadowing experiences, as dedicated funding is available through other Office of Experiential Learning scholarships and fellowships for these experiences
• Students may apply for funding for only one experience

Questions? Email the Office of Experiential Learning at cns.exl@austin.utexas.edu 

Application will open in LASSO on November 1, 2026!

The CNS Advanced Summer Research Fellowship provides financial support to undergraduate students in the College of Natural Sciences who are conducting an advanced summer research project under the supervision of a UT faculty member.

Applicants must have completed at least one prior undergraduate research experience before Summer 2027. This could include:

• A full-time summer research experience
• A part-time, two-semester academic year research experience
• Or an equivalent experience
• The summer research placement and supervisor must be confirmed at the time of application.

Fellowship Award

Fellowship recipients will receive a $4,000 student stipend for a full-time research commitment of 35–40 hours per week for at least 8 weeks. Funds are awarded as a student stipend only and may not be used for research costs, supplies, or other project expenses. A portion of CNS Advanced fellowship funds are reserved for students conducting research at a Texas Field Station Network (TFSN) site — students in TFSN settings are especially encouraged to apply, though all eligible CNS students may apply regardless of research location.

Competitive applications typically include:

• A recommendation letter from the student's summer UT faculty supervisor
• A clear and well-developed project description that includes sufficient background information, an explanation of proposed methods, and defined project objectives
• A thoughtful explanation of how the research experience connects to the applicant's academic and career goals

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a full-time, degree-seeking CNS undergraduate student
• Must graduate in Summer 2027 or later
• Home institution must be UT Austin
• Must have completed a qualifying prior research experience
• Must have a confirmed summer research project and UT faculty research supervisor

Application Deadlines:

• Fellowship application deadline: Friday, February 19, 2027 at 11:59 PM 
• Letter of recommendation deadline: Friday, February 26, 2027 at 11:59 PM

Questions? Contact the Office of Experiential Learning at cns.exl@austin.utexas.edu 

Application will open in LASSO on November 1, 2026!

Many students can work with their research streams over the summer on fellowships or as a volunteer researcher. During this time, students expand their projects and are granted a higher degree of independence and responsibility, often working in lab without supervision. By working 20 or 40 hours a week it is possible for FRI students to get a head start on their projects and experience the life of a research scientist.

FRI Fellowship Information

• Stipend. Support can be for full or part time research placements, determined by the availability of each type of position in your stream.
  • Full-time fellowships | $3000 + $1000 Housing Supplement.
  • Half-time fellowships | $1500 + $500 Housing Supplement.
• Dates. The exact dates and hours committed to research each week will be arranged with your Research Educator.
• Housing. A limited number of awards to assist with summer housing for students with need are available.
• Application. The FRI Summer Fellowship Application for 2026 will open later in the academic year.

Eligibility

• FRI students and Accelerated Research Initiative (ARI) students (including international students) participating in their first summer research experience (following their spring semester with the program) are eligible to apply.
• FRI alumni conducting more advanced summer projects in or outside of stream labs should apply for an Advanced Summer Research Fellowship.

Questions? Contact Dr. Tony Gonzalez.