Research Science Institute 2026: How to Apply & Requirements

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious pre-university STEM programme hosted at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Each summer, around 100 of the world’s most accomplished secondary-school students gather for six weeks of intensive study and research.

Run by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) since 1984, RSI has welcomed more than 3,000 alumni from over 60 nations. It is uniquely cost-free to participants, covering tuition, accommodation, and meals. 

The curriculum combines lectures in advanced STEM topics with mentored research in MIT and Boston-area laboratories.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to RSI.

Course Breakdown

Note: Check their official website for their current pricing.

Why Choose RSI?

The Research Science Institute (RSI) offers one of the most prestigious pre-university STEM opportunities in the world. 

Each summer, 100 selected participants spend six weeks at MIT, fully funded with tuition, accommodation, and meals provided. Additionally, the programme begins with a week of intensive seminars in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering, equipping students with research methods and scientific communication skills.

For the following five weeks, participants are placed in cutting-edge research laboratories at MIT or across Boston. Under the supervision of leading scientists, they design experiments, analyse data, and produce original research. 

The experience concludes with a formal symposium where students present their work conference-style and receive detailed feedback. In many cases, participants even go on to publish their research or gain co-authorship in academic journals.

RSI stands out for its combination of academic rigour, world-class mentorship, global alumni network, and the fact that it is completely free. However, its extreme selectivity means only a small fraction of applicants secure a place.

For those seeking a less competitive alternative with broader options, Immerse Education provides flexible research and enrichment pathways. 

We welcome younger students from ages 13–18, offer shorter but still intensive programmes, and provide international locations including Oxford, Cambridge, London, Sydney, Singapore, and Boston. Our Online Research Programmes are available in both 1:1 and group formats, giving participants the chance to produce original research under the guidance of PhD-level mentors. 

Beyond STEM, we also offer humanities, social sciences, and career-focused programmes, ensuring every participant can pursue their passion in a supportive and inspiring environment. As a result, students can explore pathways that better match their goals and availability.

Key Features of RSI

The Research Science Institute runs for six weeks each summer, from 28 June to 8 August, and is held on the MIT campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

It is fully residential, with tuition, accommodation, and meals covered; students arrange only their travel. Because of this support, admission is highly competitive, with around 100 participants worldwide.

The programme has two phases. The first week delivers academic preparation through seminars in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering, plus training in research methods and scientific writing. Furthermore, guest lectures from MIT faculty introduce current scientific frontiers.

Weeks two through six focus on mentored research. Each student joins a laboratory aligned with their interests, working under professional supervision. During this period, participants contribute to live projects, developing independence and confidence for university-level study.

Students live in MIT accommodation with pastoral support, which helps them balance academic challenge and social life. Additionally, the international cohort, often one-third from outside the U.S., builds a collaborative community.

RSI concludes with a symposium where participants present findings, submit a paper, and graduate with a certificate and evaluation recognising their achievement and growth.

Advantages

• Free access: RSI covers tuition, accommodation, and meals, removing financial barriers for talented students worldwide.
• Prestigious setting: Hosted at MIT, one of the most renowned research universities, with access to cutting-edge laboratories and active researchers.
• Authentic research experience: Participants complete the full scientific process—from literature review and experimental design to data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Exceptional selectivity and prestige: With thousands of applicants and only around 100 selected, RSI carries significant weight on university applications.
• Global community: About one-third of students come from outside the U.S., fostering collaboration across cultures and perspectives.
• Influential alumni network: Graduates join a community of over 3,000 participants, many of whom have gone on to leading roles in science, technology, and academia.

Disadvantages

• Extremely selective: Thousands apply each year, but only around 100 are admitted. Many outstanding applicants are turned away simply due to limited places.
• Strict eligibility: Only rising seniors aged 16 or older by 1 July can apply. Current seniors and younger students are not eligible.
• STEM-only focus: RSI is limited to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There are no humanities or creative subject options.
• Intensive time commitment: The six-week residential programme takes up most of the summer, leaving little room for other internships or commitments.
• Travel costs: While the programme is free, families must pay for travel to Boston, which can be expensive for international participants.

RSI vs Immerse Education

Immerse Education offers three core pathways: Academic Insights, Career Insights, and the Online Research Programme (ORP), combining university-style learning, real-world experience, and one-to-one research mentorship across global locations.

Is RSI Worth It?

For academically gifted STEM students, the Research Science Institute is among the most prestigious pre-university opportunities worldwide. A place offers the chance to study at MIT, undertake authentic research, and collaborate with exceptional peers. 

It’s free model removes financial barriers, and the programme’s reputation carries weight in university applications. Many alumni progress to leading roles in science and engineering.

However, RSI is also one of the most selective programmes. With thousands of applicants and only about 100 admitted, even strong candidates face rejection. Strict eligibility rules exclude younger students and graduates, while the six-week residential format limits flexibility.

For those seeking research experience without these constraints, Immerse Education’s Online Research Programme offers an amazing alternative. At Immerse, we offer one-to-one or group PhD supervision with flexibility in subject and timing. 

Academic Insights provides Oxbridge-style teaching in small groups, while Career Insights focuses on project-based learning with industry exposure. These pathways give ambitious students mentorship, rigorous enrichment, and preparation for university without extreme competition.

Alternatives to RSI

• Immerse Education – Academic Summer School: Oxbridge-style subject exploration across humanities and STEM.
• Immerse Education – Career Insights: Industry-focused projects in London, Singapore, and Boston.
• Immerse Education – Online Research Programme: 1:1 mentored research with PhD supervisors.
• Polygence (ages 13–18): One-to-one research mentorship with PhD students and professionals. Students pursue passion projects across any academic field. Flexible online format with projects spanning eight to 32 weeks.
• Clark Scholars Program, Texas Tech (age 17): Fully funded, seven-week faculty-mentored research placements.

How to Apply for RSI

1. Check Eligibility – You must be a rising senior, 16 or older by 1 July 2026. Current seniors are not eligible. Both U.S. and some international students may apply, depending on sponsorship arrangements.
2. Prepare Materials – Gather your official transcript, standardised test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT, or AP), up to three recommendation letters, and responses to application essays. RSI suggests strong PSAT scores (Math ≥ 740, EBRW ≥ 700) or ACT equivalents.
3. Apply Online – Complete your application through the CEE “Apply to RSI” portal. A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required, though fee waivers are available for students with financial need.
4. Meet the Deadline – The deadline for RSI 2026 is 10 December 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Late applications are not accepted. Applicants are notified of decisions in the spring.
5. Complete Pre-Programme Steps – Admitted students receive instructions on travel, medical forms, and what to bring. International participants may need visa support, which CEE can provide.
   

Final Thoughts

The Research Science Institute offers a free research experience at MIT for rising seniors with exceptional STEM achievements. 

With only 100 places each year, it is one of the world’s most selective pre-university programmes. Successful applicants gain authentic lab experience, expert mentorship, and a global alumni network that strengthens university applications and opens doors to future research careers.

For students seeking similar depth with more accessibility, Immerse Education provides strong alternatives. 

The Online Research Programme offers one-to-one PhD mentorship worldwide, while Academic Insights provides Oxbridge-style teaching and Career Insights links study to real-world application. 

With small groups, flexible pathways, and expert tutors, Immerse equips students with skills and confidence to thrive beyond summer.