The University of Chicago College Research Funding and Fellowships (CCRF) is inviting applications for its Research Grant and Scholars Programs, which provide undergraduate students with funding to pursue faculty-mentored research, creative inquiry, international research, conference participation, and summer research projects. These competitive funding opportunities are designed to help students expand their academic experience through hands-on research across all disciplines.
Whether you are conducting laboratory research, exploring the humanities, engaging in creative projects, or presenting your work at academic conferences, the University of Chicago offers a variety of research grants to support your scholarly journey.
About the University of Chicago Research Grant Programs
The College Center for Research and Fellowships (CCRF) administers several funding programs that encourage undergraduate students to actively participate in research under the guidance of University of Chicago faculty and senior scholars.
The programs are open to students from all academic disciplines and provide financial support for research conducted during the academic year, summer, and international placements. Many award recipients also participate in research development workshops and present their findings at the annual University of Chicago Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Available Research Funding Programs
The University of Chicago offers several competitive research funding opportunities, including:
- Quad Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
- Quad Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
- Straetz International Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
- Quad Undergraduate Research Conference Grants
- Quad Faculty Research Grant Program
Each program supports different aspects of undergraduate research and scholarly development.
Quad Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
The Quad Undergraduate Research Scholars Program supports undergraduate students conducting faculty-mentored research or creative inquiry throughout the academic year.
The program aims to strengthen students’ educational experience by providing funding for independent research projects while encouraging collaboration with faculty mentors.
Benefits
Participants receive:
- Research funding
- Faculty mentorship
- Professional development programming
- Research advising
- Opportunity to present research at the University of Chicago Undergraduate Research Symposium
Application Deadlines
- Autumn Quarter: October 6, 2025
- Winter Quarter (Extended): January 8, 2026
Quad Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
The Quad Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program supports students who dedicate their summer to full-time faculty research or creative inquiry.
Participants spend the summer working closely with faculty mentors while developing advanced research skills in their chosen disciplines.
Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- Summer research funding
- Faculty mentorship
- CCRF advising and programming
- Opportunity to present research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium
Application Timeline
- Priority Deadline: February 16, 2026
- Rolling Applications: Through March 30, 2026
Straetz International Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
The Straetz International Undergraduate Research Scholars Program funds undergraduate students who wish to conduct advanced research at international universities, research institutes, laboratories, archives, museums, or academic institutions.
Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply for international research experiences during the summers following their second or third year of study.
Benefits
Recipients receive funding to support:
- International research placements
- Research travel
- Faculty-mentored scholarly projects
- Advanced academic research abroad
Application Deadline
- February 2, 2026
Quad Undergraduate Research Conference Grants
The Quad Undergraduate Research Conference Grants support undergraduate students presenting their research at academic conferences.
Funding is available for students presenting:
- Research posters
- Oral presentations
- Faculty-mentored scholarly research
The grant helps cover conference participation and travel expenses.
Application Timeline
- Applications close: June 15, 2026
- New application cycle reopens in late summer for the following academic year.
Quad Faculty Research Grant Program
The Quad Faculty Research Grant Program provides funding to University of Chicago faculty members to hire undergraduate researchers during the academic year.
The program creates meaningful research opportunities by connecting talented undergraduate students with faculty-led research projects.
Benefits
Students gain:
- Paid research experience
- Close collaboration with faculty mentors
- Academic-year research positions
- Professional research skills
- Strong faculty relationships
Faculty Application Deadline
- October 13, 2025
Eligible Research Areas
Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Economics
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Humanities
- Arts
- History
- Literature
- Medicine
- Environmental Studies
- Creative Arts
- Interdisciplinary Research
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be currently enrolled undergraduate students in the University of Chicago College.
- Conduct faculty-mentored research or creative inquiry.
- Meet the eligibility requirements of the specific funding program.
- Comply with University travel policies and applicable research requirements.
Students on a leave of absence are not eligible for College-based research funding.
Why Apply?
The University of Chicago Research Grant Programs provide undergraduate students with valuable opportunities to:
- Conduct original research
- Work alongside leading faculty members
- Develop advanced research skills
- Present research at academic conferences
- Build competitive graduate school applications
- Gain international research experience
- Expand professional and academic networks
These programs are designed to prepare students for future careers in academia, research, public policy, medicine, engineering, business, and other professional fields.
How to Apply
Interested students should:
- Review the eligibility requirements for the desired research program.
- Identify a faculty mentor where applicable.
- Prepare the required research proposal and supporting documents.
- Complete the online application before the relevant deadline.
- Submit all required materials through the College Center for Research and Fellowships.
Applicants are encouraged to review the detailed program guidelines before applying.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by program:
- Quad Undergraduate Research Scholars: October 6, 2025 / January 8, 2026
- Quad Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars: February 16, 2026 (Priority), Rolling through March 30, 2026
- Straetz International Undergraduate Research Scholars: February 2, 2026
- Quad Undergraduate Research Conference Grants: June 15, 2026
- Quad Faculty Research Grant: October 13, 2025 (Faculty Applications)
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