Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT
by Center for Excellence in Education (CEE)
5-week mentored research internship at MIT labs
Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is a program by Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) for students in Class 11. Registration closes 10 Dec 2025. It is free to take part.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 11
Fee
Free
Duration
5 weeks
Format
Individual
Time needed
Full-time residential, 5 weeks at MIT
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Sept 2025
- Registration closes
- 10 Dec 2025
- Dates
- 28 Jun 2026 – 8 Aug 2026
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
About This Opportunity
The Research Science Institute (RSI), run by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), is one of the most prestigious pre-college science research programs in the world. Held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, RSI brings together approximately 80 of the most academically talented high school students from across the United States and internationally for an intensive five-week research experience. Students are matched with MIT faculty, researchers, and industry scientists to conduct original research projects across all scientific disciplines — from mathematics and physics to biology, computer science, chemistry, and engineering. The program begins with a week of intensive STEM lectures delivered by MIT faculty, followed by four weeks of full-time mentored research in MIT laboratories. Students complete their projects with written and oral presentations judged by scientists and engineers. The entire program — tuition, housing, meals, and local transportation — is provided at no cost to participants. RSI alumni have won Regeneron Science Talent Search and Intel ISEF, and many attend MIT, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 11
- Age Range
- 16 - 18 years
- Location
Academic requirement
Exceptional academic record; SAT/ACT scores; strong STEM background; highly competitive international selection
Prerequisites
- Strong coursework in science and/or mathematics
Additional requirements
- Must be a high school junior at time of application
- US students and international students both eligible
Open to high school juniors (typically ages 16-18) worldwide with exceptional academic records and strong STEM aptitude. Approximately 80 students selected from thousands of global applicants.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
One week of MIT faculty STEM lectures followed by four weeks of mentored original research in MIT labs; culminates in research paper and oral presentation
Rewards & Recognition
Award
Fully funded — tuition, housing, meals, transport
The entire RSI program is provided at no cost. CEE covers all tuition, housing, meals, and local transportation at MIT.
Opens doors to
RSI alumni consistently gain admission to the world's top universities, with many attending MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and other leading institutions.
Career pathways
Participants conduct original research in MIT laboratories under the guidance of leading scientists and engineers.
Recognition
Premier pre-college research program globally
Skills your child builds
Languages
What your child will do
- MIT faculty STEM lecture series
- Mentored laboratory research
- Research paper writing
- Oral presentation to scientist judges
- Weekly meetings with research mentors
Mentors & faculty
MIT faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and industry scientists from leading companies and research institutions
How to apply
- 1US students apply through CEE website; international students apply through designated partner organizations in their countries.
- 2Application includes transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), essays, and teacher recommendations.
- 3Acceptance decisions communicated in April 2026.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The program is completely free. All tuition, housing, meals, and local transportation costs are covered by the Center for Excellence in Education.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT?
The registration deadline is 10 Dec 2025.
Is Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT?
Students in Class 11. children aged 16-18.
What will my child gain from Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT?
Fully funded — no cost to participants. Conduct original research in MIT laboratories. Mentorship by MIT faculty and leading scientists. RSI alumni dominate top science competitions (Regeneron STS, Intel ISEF). Strong pathway to world's top universities.
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