Research Experience for Undergraduates

REUs are open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in their undergraduate degrees. Though some REU programs may have availability for UCF students, this number is generally limited. Students from institutions other than UCF are encouraged to apply to our programs. If you are a UCF student, we invite you to consider other REU programs at other institutions by accessing the NSF’s Directory of REU Sites to check other opportunities you may be eligible for.

If you are an eligible applicant for multiple REUs, you may apply to as many as you like. Each REU program is considered separate as each Principal Investigator (PI) has independent control of their respective program. We ask that in the case that you are accepted to multiple programs, to remain communicative and narrow your acceptances down as soon as possible to ensure that all spots are eventually filled.

REU programs generally prefer to accept first time applicants to fill available spots; however, each REU program is managed differently. As such, there is a possibility that you may be able to participate in the same REU program. For more detailed considerations, we ask you to reach out to the respective PI of each REU program with more questions.

The specific REU PI should be contacted for any questions specific to their program. If you are unable to find their contact information, feel free to reach out to the UCF REU Support Team at ucfreu@ucf.edu for us to connect you.

As each REU program is run differently, we cannot promise for the 2026 cycle that you will receive a notification regardless of the decision on your application. As we move forward, we are working to standardize and consider processes to implement this in the following cycles. If you would like a status update on your application we ask that you email the respective PI of your program or email the REU Support Team to aid in the process.

We have found that participation for each REU varies. Generally speaking, participants should expect to spend the majority of their time at UCF completing research for each program, treating this work similarly to a full time job. Each REU program is required to include opportunities outside of research for recreation and there are many activities that you can participate in at UCF for free or reduced cost.

Once students are accepted into REU programs, a website link (which serves as our welcome packet) will be sent with information and next steps. REU participants are responsible for the completion of all the listed items. It is important to note, that if the steps listed in the welcome packet are not properly completed, enrollment will likely be delayed. If you are an accepted student and have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.

Individual REU programs at UCF determine the scheduling and activities available to their participants. Some PIs have opted to include an orientation within their programs while others have not. However, participants are able to schedule their own campus tours. For more information, click here to read the Visit Campus website for more information.

Each REU program receives a grant from the National Science Foundation to aid in the housing, travel, and food for each participant. Students are expected to receive a stipend as well as part of this grant, however, the amount and payment schedules vary with each Principal Investigator. If you have been accepted to a UCF REU Program and would like more information, we encourage you to ask the respective PI for more information.

As visiting students to UCF, the UCF REU Support Team is responsible for ensuring that REU participants have housing at our institution. Accepted students are however required to send relevant information outlined in the welcome packet to secure housing. All housing will be located at UCF Main Campus among our dormitories. No payment is needed from students in the procurement of this housing, as each program’s grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is utilized for these accommodations.

Yes! Each program is designed differently and all REUs have additional programs outside of research available to students that could include field trips within the Central Florida area, formal dinners, and more. For more information, we encourage applicants and participants alike to visit each program’s respective home page to check for current or past schedules.

Yes, there are. Though each PI is responsible for maintaining communication with students after their participation, REUs encourage all respective parties to continue work beyond the REU if relevant. Some REUs may provide you the opportunity to work on relevant manuscripts respective to your project. As visiting students, you may also consider UCF as a transfer program or for graduate school.

Besides uploading all information on Med+Proctor, immunizations and the mandatory medical history form must be uploaded. Your hold may be the result of missing the medical history form or the submission of an incomplete form. If there is a hold please contact UCF Student Health Services Immunization Compliance asap to resolve it as it will delay admissions and course registration and potentially prevent participation in the an REU.

The Immunization Hold is automatically removed within 1 – 2 hours AFTER Med+Proctor has verified the immunization record as compliant.

No. If you are an accepted student you DO NOT pay the application fee even if prompted or sent a notification to pay after completing your admissions application. It is important that you complete the admissions application in a timely manner; however, you should not be concerned about the fee. This required payment will be paid by your PI on your behalf.