NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program

A college scholarship program for undergraduate students committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research.

Selection process

This program is for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research. The program provides scholarship recipients up to $20,000 per academic year for tuition, educational, and reasonable living expenses. Scholarships are awarded for one year and can be renewed for up to four years.

For every year of scholarship support, scholars commit to two paid service obligations in the NIH Intramural Research Program. These are:

• A ten-week full-time summer internship at the NIH immediately following the year of scholarship support
• One year of full-time work at the NIH post-graduation; this service obligation may be deferred until completion of an advanced degree program.

UGSP scholars work in research groups directed by a Principal Investigator (PI). We offer research opportunities in the biomedical, behavioral and social sciences with opportunities to explore translational and clinical research. Students with experience in biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science,  bioinformatics and other health-related fields are invited to apply. UGSP Scholars may not work in administrative offices or outside of the NIH Intramural Research Program.

Research groups are located on several NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. While the summer service obligation takes place in Bethesda, scholars may complete their post-graduation service obligation on any NIH campus.

In addition to an intensive research experience, UGSP scholars have access to:

• a strong cohort experience throughout their NIH training
• professional development programs focused on core competencies needed for success in research and healthcare careers
• educational and career advising
• a comprehensive well-being and resilience program

Eligibility criteria

To apply for UGSP, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In addition, you must:

• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited four-year college or university.
• Have a grade point average of 3.3 or greater on a 4.0-point scale, or rank within the top five percent of your class.
• Demonstrate exceptional financial need certified by your undergraduate institution’s financial aid office.

You must also be able to pass a federal background check. We strongly encourage you to carefully read the full terms and conditions. Ignoring this could prevent you from taking part in the program.

You are not eligible for UGSP if any one of the following items applies to you:

• You are a high school senior.
• You have already been awarded an undergraduate degree.
• You are currently enrolled in an advanced degree program, such as a master's degree.
• You are unable to fulfill the payback requirements.

Applicants with a family member working at NIH should be aware of the strict nepotism policy, which may limit your ability to work in certain NIH institutes, centers, or research groups.