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Research Training

Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)

This program is available to:

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

On this page

About this program

The NIH UGSP is a financial needs-based scholarship award for students who are committed to 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 up to two 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:

Read about past UGSP recipients in the NIH Catalyst

30 Years On, Undergraduate Scholarship Program Sows Scientific Excellence

Service obligation

As an NIH Undergraduate Scholar, you will incur 1 year and 10 weeks (62 weeks total) of obligated service at the NIH for each full or partial year of support. The maximum service obligation is 3 years. Scholars are obliged to serve as full-time NIH employees in an NIH Intramural Research Laboratory. You must begin your service within 60 days of completing the requirements for your undergraduate degree, unless a deferment is granted by the NIH UGSP.

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 in the U.S.
  • Have an undergraduate university grade point average of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0-point scale, or rank within the top five percent of your class.
  • Demonstrate an 'Exceptional Financial Need' as certified by the financial aid office at the undergraduate institution you will attend during the upcoming academic year.

AND one of the following

  • Community college student transferring to a 4-year undergraduate institution located in the U.S.
  • Full-time junior or senior student enrolled in an accredited 4-year undergraduate institution located in the U.S.

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.

Upcoming Events

Scholarship, stipend, and other compensation

UGSP Scholars may receive up to $20,000 of scholarship support each academic year. The scholarship is paid directly to your university and can be used for tuition, educational and reasonable living expenses as established by your university.

Scholars are paid directly during the summer and post-graduation service obligations at the NIH. The salary is commensurate to the level of education completed; scholars also receive benefits, including access to health insurance, free parking or Transhare benefits.

Before you apply

The decision to accept a UGSP scholarship is an important one as there are required service obligations. You must relocate to the NIH Bethesda campus during the summer and to Bethesda or another NIH campus to complete your post-graduate service obligation. It is crucial that you fully understand the program structure and the expectations of UGSP scholars. Carefully review all eligibility and obligation requirements before you begin your application.

To learn more about the application process and requirements, review the video "NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) Application Information".

We also encourage you to learn more about:

If you have questions, please email us at [email protected].

How to apply

Opening and closing dates

The UGSP application opens on Tuesday, January 5, 2027 at 9 am ET.

The UGSP application closes on Wednesday, March 31, 2027 at 12 noon ET

The deadline for reference letters is Wednesday, April 7, 2027 at 12 noon ET.

The deadline for Exceptional Financial Need (EFN) forms is Thursday, May 13, 2027 at 12 noon ET.

Complete your application

Apply through the NIH Application Center.

  1. Review your financial eligibility. Before applying, review the financial eligibility criteria with your financial aid officer (FAO) to find out whether you meet the Exceptional Financial Need (EFN) requirements.
  2. Create or update your profile. Your information is saved for future applications. Your profile is separate from your application.
  3. Select “Undergraduate Scholarship Program.”
  4. Confirm that you’re eligible before selecting “Start Application.”
  5. Import relevant profile information and complete your application with the materials below.

What you’ll need

  • Coursework - a list of all college courses and grades.
  • CV/Resume - Include your education, experience, and other relevant background.
  • Personal Statement - Describe your research experience, interests, and goals.
  • Financial Need - Provide your FAO’s direct email address or your FAO’s general email address so they can certify your EFN status.
  • References – Provide names and emails for three people who will write letters of recommendation.

After you submit your application, the NIH Application Center will email:

  • Your financial aid office to certify your Exceptional Financial Need (EFN) eligibility online.
  • Your references to submit their recommendation letters online.

Review all information and materials carefully before submitting.

Exceptional Financial Need certification

Who determines your financial need status?

Only a financial aid officer (FAO) at the university you plan to attend the next academic cycle can determine your Exceptional Financial Need (EFN) status.

The income table below is only one part of that review.

Community college students who are uncertain as to where they will transfer should contact the UGSP for guidance ([email protected]).

Criteria your FAO answers to determine your EFN Status

  • Is the student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student for the current academic year? (Yes/No)
  • If the student is currently enrolled, are they in good standing? (Yes/No)
  • When is the student expected to graduate? (Month/Year)
  • Does the student meet the EFN threshold for the upcoming academic year, based on the table below? (Yes/No)
  • Which tax year is used to determine the student’s EFN status?

How your FAO can help

Your financial aid officer (FAO) can explain how your family size and adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2025 or 2026 apply to the table below—and what that means for your Exceptional Financial Need (EFN) status.

The academic year for admission is 2027-2028. EFN eligibility is based on AGI (adjusted gross income) for tax years 2025 or 2026.
Number of Family Members Claimed 2025 Tax Year AGI 2026 Tax Year AGI
1

$31,300

$31,920
2

$42,300

$43,280
3

$53,300

$54,640
4

$64,300

$66,000
5

$75,300

$77,360
6

$86,300

$88,720
7

$97,300

$100,080
8

$108,300

$111,440
More than 8

Add $11,000 for each additional person

Add $11,360 for each additional person

2025: Federal Register / Vol 90, No. 11 / 17-Jan-2025, Page 5917.
2026: Federal Register / Vol 91, No. 10 / 15-Jan-2026, Page 1797.

Selection process

Candidates that meet the minimal eligibility requirements will be reviewed by the UGSP Scientific Review Committee and a subset of candidates will receive invitations to interview virtually in mid-July. Successful candidates will be informed of their selection in late July.

During the application process we encourage you to visit the NIH Intramural Research Program website and explore the breadth of research conducted at the NIH. However, we discourage you from reaching out directly to any investigators until candidate selections are complete. At that time, we will guide new awardees through the mentor-matching process.

Have questions?

Check out our extensive frequently asked questions list to support you in the application process.

Contact

Reach out to us with questions at [email protected].