The UCSB-CSU Summer Research Institute at UC Santa Barbara provides mentored research experiences in all disciplines to CSU Channel Islands, Fullerton, Long Beach, and Northridge students who are seeking to gain experience and prepare for master’s and doctoral programs at UC Santa Barbara or other UC campuses. This program targets talented and motivated students who can benefit from research opportunities, additional academic support, and career development. It aims to foster and support students in scholarly research endeavors to help them achieve their personal and professional goals as undergraduates and to prepare them for their next challenge.
The UCSB-CSU Summer Research Institute is part of the University of California’s Growing Our Own initiative, which aims to build sustainable pathways for California students to the professoriate.
Please join us to learn more about the UCSB-CSU SRI Application Information Sessions. We will hold two Information sessions with the same information presented at each session. You may attend one or both sessions. We will send you a reminder with the Zoom link.
DATE |
TIME |
Zoom |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:00 pm PDT | REGISTER |
| Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm PST | REGISTER |
***ZOOM links will be sent to everyone who registers
Program Dates
June 22 (move-in: June 21) - August 7 (move-out: August 8)
UCSB-CSU SRI Scholar Activities
This program offers research and graduate school preparation guided by UC Santa Barbara’s Graduate Division staff, faculty, and graduate student mentors. Scholars are matched individually with UCSB faculty and graduate student mentors who provide training and support. Scholars are provided with an excellent opportunity to explore their discipline, experience research, and improve their opportunities for future study in their chosen field.
Program Offerings
Participants are matched individually with UCSB faculty and graduate student mentors who provide training and support fitted to the individual interests and academic goals of the scholar.
Participants broaden their professional and academic experiences through workshops and presentations to peers, staff, and academics.
Participants are fully funded as part of their summer research experience via a summer stipend. Housing accommodations, parking, and partial meal plans are provided.
Participants are provided with an excellent opportunity to explore their discipline, experience research, and improve their opportunities for future study in their chosen field.
Eligibility & Financial Assistance
The UCSB-CSU Summer Research Institute is open to any student who meets all of the following requirements:
- Currently enrolled at CSU Channel Islands, Fullerton, Long Beach, or Northridge in an undergraduate or master’s program
- Completion of at least the sophomore year by June 2026, or is currently enrolled as a master’s student
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 Students interested in obtaining a doctoral degree from University of California
- We encourage applications from individuals who have perspectives or experiences of groups:
- who are historically underrepresented in higher education
- who are under-resourced
- Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or AB540 students*
All eligible students are encouraged to apply. The UCSB-CSU SRI program does not consider race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories as part of the application and selection process.
*If you have questions about your eligibility, please email summerprogram@graddiv.ucsb.edu to schedule a zoom meeting with Karen van Gool, our UCSB-CSU SRI Coordinator.
- Seven-week summer research experience working with a UCSB faculty and graduate student mentor
- Weekly academic enrichment and professional development workshops
- Participation in end-of-summer academic poster presentation to showcase your research work
- All UCSB-CSU Summer Research Institute participants will receive a $5,000 stipend
- UC Santa Barbara’s Graduate Division will pay for on-campus housing for participants
Expectations
Applicants are expected to list two UC Santa Barbara faculty members with whom they are interested in conducting research during the summer program. We have compiled a list of departments which have indicated they are interested in mentoring one or more UCSB-CSU SRI students this summer, which may help determine a higher likelihood of successfully finding a faculty mentor match. This is not a comprehensive list of all faculty or departments who may be available; therefore, you may also search beyond this list. Information about UC Santa Barbara faculty members can be found at their respective department websites.
Application Information
- The 2026 UCSB-CSU SRI Application opens December 19, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 (12:00 noon Pacific time)
Questions?
Email our UCSB Graduate Admissions, Outreach, and Diversity team.