Imperial College London Summer Research Exchange

Program Details

Imperial is the only university in the UK to focus exclusively on science, engineering, medicine and business. Consistently rated amongst the world's best research universities, Imperial is committed to developing the next generation of researchers, scientists and academics across disciplines. Located in the heart of London in South Kensington, Imperial is a multidisciplinary space for education, research, commercialization and harnessing science and innovation to take global challenges.

This exchange program lasts for 8 weeks. Exact dates for summer 2025 are Jun 30 - Aug 22. Participating departments typically nominate 2 MIT students to participate in the exchange. Students must participate in MIT-UK pre-departure training in the second half of the spring semester.

The exchange is open to undergraduate students majoring in one of the participating departments. Participating departments for 2025 are 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 16, 18, 22. Most departments will give priority to sophomores and juniors, and some departments will not send seniors at all -p lease check with your department's undergraduate office for confirmation. First years are not eligible.

Students should be in good academic and judicial standing.

All students should apply through the MISTI portal.

Application deadline: December 15th, 2024.

Students will be asked to write a personal statement outlining their research interests and why they are seeking spend the summer in the UK, and to identify five research groups at Imperial with whom they would like to work.

Students will be notified of selection decisions in mid-January, and then will work with Imperial to complete the matching process to find a research host.

Students are encouraged to review the research groups at the corresponding Imperial department prior to applying, in order to understand particular research strengths and focuses. Each department will do their best to match students with a project that corresponds to their research interests.

MIT-UK and participating departments cover the cost of flights, housing, and a stipend to cover on-the ground expenses (meals and transportation) for the summer. Students do not need to spend any money to participate in the exchange, but excursions and activities outside the core activity of the exchange are not included. The cost of living in London is comparable to Boston. There are lots of free museums, parks, exhibitions, and carnivals to explore, especially during the summer.

MIT students live in an Imperial residence halls. Most recently, students have stayed in either Evelyn Gardens in Kensington, or Xenia in Waterloo.

Students participating in the exchange need a Standard Visitor Visa; however, US citizens do not need to submit an application in advance. The Standard Visitor Visa is granted at the port of entry (UK airport) by a UK immigration officer upon review of an invitation letter from Imperial and a nomination letter from MIT.

Non-US citizens should consult with the MIT-UK program and follow the UK visa process based on their citizenship and should consult with the MIT International Student Office about reentry to the US after study abroad.