Undergraduate Research

International Student Research Internship Program

The International Student Research Internship Program is designed for students currently enrolled at an international university to participate in engineering research at Washington University in St. Louis during the summer months (May through August).

Projects will be in the general areas of biomedical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, chemical engineering, energy & environmental engineering, mechanical engineering & materials science.

 

Benefits

Students who participate in the International Student Research Internship Program will have the opportunity to:

  • Conduct independent research on cutting-edge projects
  • Work closely with faculty, postdocs and graduate students
  • Participate in weekly lectures and learning lunches on a variety of research and professional topics
  • Attend workshops on the graduate school application process
  • Enjoy social gatherings and fun field trips in and around St. Louis
  • Experience U.S. academic, professional and social culture

 

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from students meeting the following criteria:

  • Enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program at an international university in their penultimate year of undergraduate studies
  • Possess adequate training and background in the subject area of the internship
  • Possess strong motivation and interest in research
  • Must be a non-US citizen or non-permanent resident of the United States

 

Application Process

Applications must be received by November 13, 2023.

Virtual interviews may be conducted with applicants to assess English communication skills and academic preparation for the research project. Research Interns will be selected for their intellectual promise, curiosity and motivation.

 

Application Materials Required

  • Resume (2-page maximum)
  • Personal statement (include general interests, objectives for the summer, background and preparation: one-page maximum)
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Three research areas of interest (selected from a list on the application site)
  • Two references (at least one must be from a faculty at student's current institution).
  • English language proficiency score (TOEFL or IELTS taken within the last 2 years).
    NOTE: The English proficiency tests are not required for students who have studied for three or more years in the United States or in another country where English is the primary language of daily life and is the primary language of instruction at your university (e.g. India, Ghana, Nigeria, etc.).

 

Application Deadline

Applicants must submit all materials by November 13, 2023.

Apply here

 

Financial support from McKelvey School of Engineering

Internships will be fully funded as follows (based on a 10-week internship):

  • Stipend of $7,200 USD (includes a food allowance of $120/week)
  • Free campus housing (or a housing allowance will be provided if your internship does not align with the campus housing dates)
  • Public transportation passes for local St. Louis travel

Student is responsible for purchasing international health insurance (mandatory), international round trip airfare to St. Louis, visa fees and incidentals

 

Visa Assistance

Once selected for an internship, McKelvey School of Engineering and the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will assist in obtaining the DS-2019 and J1 visa. Interns will be responsible for the visa fees. Please visit the OISS website for J1 visitors for more information.