Top 10 Summer Programs for Undergraduate Students

The curated list below is based on programme reputation, accessibility for Indian undergraduates, and the balance between international and India-based opportunities.

Let's take a closer look at each of these summer programs, including their eligibility, duration, key benefits, and application process.

Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a global programme that allows undergraduate students to contribute to open-source software projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. 

Conducted entirely online, it gives students the opportunity to work with international open-source communities while building practical coding experience and a portfolio of publicly visible contributions. Completing GSoC can strengthen your profile for software engineering roles, internships, and graduate school applications.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in an eligible country, and have coding skills relevant to their chosen open-source project.
• Duration: 8-22 weeks (standard duration: 12 weeks).
• Stipend/Benefits: Participants receive a stipend based on their project size and country, along with mentorship and recognition for successfully completing their project.
• How to Apply: Applications open in March. Students must select an open-source organisation, submit a project proposal, and apply through the official Google Summer of Code portal.

Stanford Summer Session is the official summer academic term at Stanford University, allowing undergraduate students from around the world to enrol in university-level courses and earn academic credit. 

Participants study alongside Stanford students, learn from university faculty, and experience campus life while exploring subjects across engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, and more. It is an excellent option for students looking to strengthen their academic profile while experiencing a leading global university.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the programme start date, have completed high school or equivalent, and be enrolled in or have completed post-secondary education. International students may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency.
• Duration: 8 weeks (Mid-June to mid-August).
• Cost/Benefits: This is a paid programme with tuition and residential expenses. Eligible undergraduate students may apply for limited financial aid and tuition grants.
• How to Apply: Submit an online application along with academic transcripts and any required English language test scores before the programme deadline.

The CERN Summer Student Programme offers undergraduate and master's students the opportunity to work on research projects at CERN, one of the world's leading centres for particle physics, in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Participants contribute to projects in physics, engineering, computer science, or mathematics while attending lectures by CERN scientists and exploring the organisation's world-class research facilities. As a fully funded programme, it is one of the most prestigious international research opportunities for STEM students.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field, have completed at least six semesters of full-time study, and remain enrolled throughout the programme.
• Duration: 8-13 weeks.
• Stipend/Benefits: Selected students receive a tax-free living allowance, health insurance, and, where applicable, a travel allowance to and from Geneva.
• How to Apply: Applications generally close in January. Candidates must apply through CERN's official careers portal by submitting their academic transcripts, CV, and a reference letter.

The ETH Zurich Summer Research Fellowship is a fully funded research programme for undergraduate and master's students interested in computer science and related fields. 

Participants work on ongoing research projects under the guidance of ETH Zurich faculty while collaborating with research groups at one of Europe's leading technical universities. The fellowship offers valuable international research experience and is particularly suited to students planning to pursue graduate studies or research-oriented careers.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's programme in Computer Science or a closely related field, have completed at least two years of study, and be expected to graduate after the fellowship ends. Current ETH Zurich students are not eligible.
• Duration: 2 months (July-August).
• Stipend/Benefits: Selected students receive a CHF 4,000 stipend to cover living expenses, while travel, visa support, and accommodation arrangements are provided separately by ETH Zurich.
• How to Apply: Applications open in November. Candidates must submit an online application along with their academic transcripts, CV, and a motivation letter outlining their research interests.

The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) is a fully funded international research programme that allows undergraduate students from India to work on research projects at leading Canadian universities under faculty supervision. 

Offered in partnership with AICTE, the programme spans disciplines such as engineering, science, mathematics, and social sciences, providing students with international research experience and exposure to Canada's academic ecosystem. It is an excellent opportunity for students considering postgraduate studies or research careers abroad.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students enrolled at an AICTE-approved institution, typically in their third year, with a strong academic record and at least one semester remaining after the internship.
• Duration: 12 weeks (Between May and September).
• Stipend/Benefits: The program covers round-trip airfare, visa costs, accommodation, health insurance, and provides financial support for living expenses during the internship.
• How to Apply: Students must apply through the Mitacs Globalink online portal by submitting their academic transcripts, CV, a professor's reference letter, and selecting eligible research projects of interest.

The Science Academies Summer Research Fellowship Programme (SRFP) is jointly offered by the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc), the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), and the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI). 

It provides undergraduate and postgraduate students with the opportunity to work on research projects under the guidance of scientists and faculty members at premier institutions, including IITs, IISc, IISERs, and national research laboratories. The fellowship is highly regarded for students planning to pursue postgraduate studies or research careers.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, postgraduate, or integrated PhD programme at a recognised institution in India.
• Duration: 2 months (typically during the summer).
• Stipend/Benefits: Selected students receive a monthly fellowship to cover living expenses, along with reimbursement of round-trip train travel to the host institution.
• How to Apply: Applications are submitted online through the IASc, INSA, or NASI websites and generally require academic transcripts and a faculty recommendation.

The Summer Research Internship Programme (SRIP) at IIT Gandhinagar enables undergraduate and postgraduate students to work on faculty-led research projects across engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. 

Along with research experience, participants attend expert lectures, present their work, and engage with the institute's academic community. The programme is ideal for students looking to strengthen their research profile before applying for higher studies.

• Eligibility: Bachelor's and master's students from recognised institutions in India, including eligible international students studying in India.
• Duration: Minimum 8 weeks (generally from May to July).
• Stipend/Benefits: Selected interns receive a weekly stipend, with outstanding participants eligible for research excellence awards.
• How to Apply: Apply through the official SRIP portal by selecting a faculty project and submitting your academic records and Statement of Purpose (SOP).

The IIT Bombay Research Internship (IRCC SRP) offers undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to work on research projects under the supervision of IIT Bombay faculty. 

Available across multiple disciplines in science, engineering, and technology, the programme allows students to contribute to ongoing research while gaining experience in one of India's leading academic institutions. It is particularly valuable for students planning to pursue master's or doctoral programmes.

• Eligibility: Students from recognised universities in India or abroad with a strong academic record. Eligibility may vary depending on the project and faculty.
• Duration: Generally 6-10 weeks during the summer, though some projects may have longer durations.
• Stipend/Benefits: Financial support varies by project and funding source. Selected students benefit from faculty mentorship and access to IIT Bombay's research ecosystem.
• How to Apply: Students can apply through the IRCC portal or directly contact faculty members supervising relevant research projects, subject to departmental guidelines.

AIESEC's Global Volunteer and Global Talent programmes provide undergraduate students with opportunities to volunteer or undertake professional internships in countries around the world. 

While Global Volunteer focuses on social impact projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Talent offers internships across fields such as technology, business, marketing, and engineering. Both programmes help students develop cross-cultural skills, expand their professional networks, and gain international experience.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old. Some Global Talent opportunities may require prior internship experience and English language proficiency.
• Duration: 6-12 weeks for Global Volunteer, while Global Talent opportunities vary depending on the host organisation.
• Stipend/Benefits: Global Volunteer opportunities may include accommodation or living support, while some Global Talent internships offer stipends or salaries based on the role.
• How to Apply: Create a profile on the AIESEC platform, explore available opportunities, and apply directly to programmes that match your interests and qualifications.

The DAAD-WISE (Working Internships in Science and Engineering) programme enables Indian undergraduate students to undertake short-term research internships at leading universities and research institutions in Germany. 

Made specifically for students pursuing engineering and natural sciences, the programme offers an opportunity to work on research projects under faculty supervision while gaining exposure to Germany's academic and research environment. It is an excellent option for students considering postgraduate studies or research careers abroad.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be Indian undergraduate students enrolled in engineering or natural sciences programmes with a strong academic record. Candidates are also required to obtain an invitation letter from a professor or researcher at a German university or research institute before applying.
• Duration: 2-3 months (Between May and August).
• Stipend/Benefits: Selected students receive financial support covering living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and other approved programme expenses.
• How to Apply: Students must first secure an invitation from a host professor in Germany and then submit their application, along with the required academic documents, through the DAAD-WISE online portal before the application deadline.

Summer programmes do much more than fill your semester break—they help you build research experience, strengthen your profile, and explore universities before applying for higher studies. Whether you're aiming for a master's abroad or looking to improve your internship portfolio, choosing the right programme early can make a meaningful difference to your applications.

If you're planning to pursue higher education overseas after your undergraduate degree, Yocket Premium can help you prepare every step of the way. From shortlisting universities and building a strong profile to SOP reviews, scholarship guidance, and visa support, our experts provide personalised assistance to maximise your admission chances.