Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic institutions and research organizations seeking to engage undergraduate students in NSF-funded research. Eligible applicants are universities, colleges, and research centers that can host REU Sites or integrate REU Supplements into existing NSF grants. The program supports research in any NSF discipline, including STEM fields and interdisciplinary areas.
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for undergraduate participants. International research projects are welcome if student participants meet citizenship requirements. REU Sites may be single-discipline or interdisciplinary with a coherent intellectual theme.
Proposals must designate a single Principal Investigator responsible for oversight. One Co-PI may be designated if shared responsibility is needed. The program operates nationwide with no geographic restrictions on eligible institutions.
This grant is for academic institutions and research organizations seeking to engage undergraduate students in NSF-funded research. Eligible applicants are universities, colleges, and research centers that can host REU Sites or integrate REU Supplements into existing NSF grants. The program supports research in any NSF discipline, including STEM fields and interdisciplinary areas.
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for undergraduate participants. International research projects are welcome if student participants meet citizenship requirements. REU Sites may be single-discipline or interdisciplinary with a coherent intellectual theme.
Proposals must designate a single Principal Investigator responsible for oversight. One Co-PI may be designated if shared responsibility is needed. The program operates nationwide with no geographic restrictions on eligible institutions.
Program description
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. This solicitation features two mechanisms for supporting student research:
- REU Sites are based on independent proposals to initiate and conduct projects that engage a number of students in research. REU Sites may be based in a single discipline or academic department or may offer interdisciplinary or multi-department research opportunities with a coherent intellectual theme.
- REU Supplements may be included as a component of proposals for new or renewal NSF grants or cooperative agreements or may be requested for ongoing NSF-funded research projects.
REU projects with an international dimension are welcome.
Undergraduate student participants in either REU Sites or REU Supplements must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals,or U.S. permanent residents.
Students do not apply to NSF to participate in REU activities, and NSF does not select students for the opportunities. Investigators who receive REU awards establish their own process for receiving and reviewing applications and selecting students, and students follow the instructions provided by each REU Site or REU Supplement to apply. (In some cases, investigators pre-select students for REU Supplements.) To identify appropriate REU Sites, students should consult the directory of active REU Sites on the Web at https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for academic institutions and research organizations seeking to engage undergraduate students in NSF-funded research. Eligible applicants are universities, colleges, and research centers that can host REU Sites or integrate REU Supplements into existing NSF grants. The program supports research in any NSF discipline, including STEM fields and interdisciplinary areas.
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for undergraduate participants. International research projects are welcome if student participants meet citizenship requirements. REU Sites may be single-discipline or interdisciplinary with a coherent intellectual theme.
Proposals must designate a single Principal Investigator responsible for oversight. One Co-PI may be designated if shared responsibility is needed. The program operates nationwide with no geographic restrictions on eligible institutions.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG Cover Page (SF-424 or equivalent)
- Project Narrative/Research Description
- Budget Justification
- Curriculum Vitae (PI and Co-PI if applicable)
- Mentor and Institutional Support Letters
- Student Recruitment and Selection Plan
- Assessment Plan
- Facilities and Equipment Description (if relevant)
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.079 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$136,862,066
-
$115,625,377
-
$48,897,079
-
$23,201,013
-
$21,236,000
-
$20,513,222
-
$20,251,151
-
$20,210,752
-
$20,203,733
-
$20,133,005
Top States by Funding
- VA 2 awards $140.5M
- IN 3 awards $52.9M
- CA 11 awards $44.3M
- NJ 4 awards $30.3M
- MA 6 awards $28.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.079). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $66,550,000 | |
| 2025 | $57,610,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $12,470,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for REU funding?
Universities, colleges, and research institutions can propose REU Sites or add REU Supplements to new or existing NSF grants. A single PI must oversee the project; one Co-PI may be added if needed.
What are the differences between REU Sites and REU Supplements?
REU Sites are independent proposals launching dedicated research projects for students. REU Supplements are added to new or existing NSF-funded research to engage undergraduates in ongoing work.
Must undergraduate participants be U.S. citizens?
Yes, all student participants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents. International research participation is allowed if students meet this requirement.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is August 19, 2026. This is a fixed annual deadline, not rolling.
What is the typical award range?
Awards typically range from $5,000 to $500,000 depending on project scope, number of students, and duration. No cost-sharing is required.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Define your research theme clearly if proposing a multi-disciplinary REU Site. NSF values coherent intellectual focus even across departments.
- Detail how students will participate meaningfully in research. Describe mentorship, training, and specific project assignments for each student cohort.
- Include recruitment and selection procedures. Explain how you'll attract and choose students, especially from underrepresented groups in STEM.
- Budget carefully for student stipends, housing, and research supplies. REU funding must cover direct student support and mentoring time.
- Address assessment and outcomes. Show how you'll measure student learning, research productivity, and post-REU career or academic progress.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague research objectives or unclear intellectual merit. Proposal lacks specific research topics and expected student outcomes. Insufficient detail on mentoring plan. Weak timeline, unclear deadlines, or impractical student recruitment strategy. Budget misaligned with student stipend norms or research facility needs.
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