Research Programs

The application process consists of three stages: (1) Initial application with resume/CV, academic transcripts, and statement of interest; (2) Technical assessment or research proposal relevant to your chosen program; (3) Interview with program faculty and staff. Decisions are typically made within 3-4 weeks after the application deadline.

Yes, application fee waivers are available for students with demonstrated financial need. To request a fee waiver, please email your request along with supporting documentation to applications@perrin.institute before submitting your application.

Both programs offer competitive stipends to participants. The Policy Research Fellowship provides a $5,000 stipend for the 12-week program. The Data Science for Policy Innovation program offers a $3,500 stipend for the 8-week program. Additional funding may be available for exceptional candidates.

Yes, international students are welcome to apply. For remote participation, there are no visa requirements. For in-person components, international students must have appropriate visa status that allows participation in academic programs or internships in the United States.

The Policy Research Fellowship requires a full-time commitment (approximately 35-40 hours per week) during the 12-week summer program. The Data Science for Policy Innovation program requires approximately 20-25 hours per week during the 8-week fall program, making it possible to participate alongside other academic commitments.

Academic credit arrangements are possible but depend on your home institution's policies. Many past participants have received academic credit for their work in our programs. We can provide detailed program information and evaluations to support credit arrangements with your academic institution.

While our programs are primarily designed for undergraduate and graduate students, exceptional high school students (typically juniors and seniors) with demonstrated research experience and advanced coursework may be considered on a case-by-case basis. High school applicants should include a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor who can speak to their readiness for college-level research.

Yes, once accepted, participation in the program is free. In fact, we provide stipends to all participants ($5,000 for the Policy Research Fellowship and $3,500 for the Data Science program) to support their time and work. There are no tuition or program fees beyond the initial $15 application fee.

The $15 application fee helps us manage the high volume of applications we receive and ensures applicants are serious about their interest in the program. The fee contributes to the administrative costs of our thorough review process, which includes multiple stages of evaluation by our faculty and staff. As noted above, we offer fee waivers to ensure the fee is not a barrier for qualified applicants with financial need.

Our programs are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 4-6% for the Policy Research Fellowship and 7-9% for the Data Science program. This level of selectivity is comparable to the most elite graduate programs at Ivy League institutions. For high school applicants, the acceptance rate is even more competitive at less than 1%, as we only admit truly exceptional students who demonstrate college or graduate-level capabilities. We receive applications from top students at leading universities worldwide, and our selection committee—composed of distinguished faculty and industry leaders—employs a rigorous evaluation process to identify candidates with exceptional potential. Many of our alumni have gone on to prestigious positions at top research institutions, policy organizations, and technology companies.