Research Support

Fellowships

Fellowships offer financial support for students to explore study, research, service, or educational experiences, either domestically or abroad. These opportunities cover things like graduate studies (with tuition, fees, and living stipends), undergraduate tuition, independent research, project work, learning foreign languages, teaching English abroad, unique service roles, and so much more. There's no limit to how many fellowships you can apply for, opening a wide range of possibilities for personal and professional development. 

Funding

Funding and Grants 

Penn undergraduates have numerous opportunities to engage in research across all disciplines, regardless of their prior experience. These research roles can take various forms. They can be 

• volunteer-based 
• arranged through work-study programs 
• paid positions funded by a faculty member's grant or stipend-providing programs 
• undertaken for academic credit 
• supported by grants applied for by the student 

Keep in mind that funding options are often specific to particular kinds of research, fields of study, grad year, and so on.  So, as you explore, take note of what areas of research interest you to see what funding and grant opportunities align with your interests.   

Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring  

There are a range of grant opportunities for those interested in pursuing research at Penn. The Penn Undergraduate Research Mentorship (PURM) program is ideal for first and second-year students who have little to no prior research experience. Through this summer program, students gain an understanding of the research process, conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of fields, and develop a one-on-one relationship with a Penn faculty member.  

Selected students will receive a $5000 award and must be available to participate in their PURM project for ten full weeks during the summer.  In many cases, PURM research relationships continue during the academic year through informal collaborations, independent study, or departmental or university-funded research grants. 

Peer Advising

We know that sometimes the best advice to get about research at Penn comes from those who’ve been in your shoes. Our Research Peer Advisors (RPAs)  are current undergrads representing different research areas here at Penn, and they're available to help fellow students kickstart their own research journeys. Whether you’re looking for advice, or interested in learning more about individual experiences, RPAs can help you explore research opportunities, identify potential faculty mentors, and apply for research grants.