Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE)
Up to $4,000 for Arkansas college students to do a faculty-mentored research project, including a student stipend of up to $1,250.
- How much
- Up to $4,000 (spring-summer or spring-fall) or $2,750 (spring only), incl. student stipend up to $1,250
- Who qualifies
- Full-time at an approved Arkansas institution in a bachelor's or associate program; at least 30 credit hours completed before funds are awarded; faculty mentor required. ADHE's page lists no Arkansas residency requirement.
- For undergrads
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- When to apply
- Due November 1, 2026 Annual; November 1 for projects starting in spring
- How to apply
- With a tenured or full-time faculty mentor, prepare the SURF packet (cover page signed by mentor and institution, mentor and student forms with vitae, transcript, abstract, research description up to 5 pages, budget, mentor letter, two faculty recommendations) and submit to ADHE directly or through your institution's grants office by November 1
- What you'll need
- state application + transcript + recommendation + essay
- Last checked
- October 19, 2026, against the official page (sams.adhe.edu) and page 2
The details
Competitive fellowship for undergraduate research at Arkansas public and private institutions. Maximum award up to $4,000 (spring-summer or spring-fall projects) or $2,750 (spring only), split into: student stipend up to $1,250 ($625 spring only), student travel up to $750, mentor award up to $750, and an institutional match up to $1,250 ($625 spring only). Applications are scored 1-9 by a selection committee. Findings due May 1 (spring only), August 1 (spring-summer), or December 1 (spring-fall). Students may compete again but can receive at most three years of funding.
More money from Arkansas
- Governor's Scholars Program - Distinguished ScholarsUp to $10,000 per academic year for 4 years ($40,000 total)
- Arkansas Washington Center ScholarshipUp to $6,000 (one-time)
- Arkansas Academic Challenge ScholarshipYear 1 $2,000; Years 2-3 $4,000; Year 4 $5,000 at a four-year college (two-year: $2,000 / $3,000 / $1,500 5th semester); plus Challenge PLUS for SAI 7,999 or below, up to $2,500 per semester total
- Governor's Scholars Program - Achievement ScholarsUp to $5,000 per academic year for 4 years ($20,000 total)
- Arkansas Workforce Challenge ScholarshipUp to $3,000 per program (up to $1,500 for 80-179 clock-hour programs)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.