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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is one of the world's largest biomedical research institutions. NIH seeks to improve health by conducting research in its own laboratories and by funding the research of other scientists throughout the United States and around the world.

NIH, headquartered in Bethesda, MD, a suburb of Washington, D.C., is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an agency of the federal government.

IF SELECTED, WILL I RECEIVE THE FULL $20,000?

Your exact scholarship amount will be determined based on your educational expenses and other sources of financial aid. Your scholarship award cannot exceed unmet college expenses. Contact your financial aid office to determine how an outside scholarship will affect your financial aid package.

HOW MANY SCHOLARSHIPS DO YOU AWARD?

The NIH awards approximately 15 UGSP scholarships each year. It is a highly competitive program.

IN ADDITION TO THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN APPLICANTS?

Strong applicants can demonstrate their commitment to a research career. Successful applicants demonstrate this commitment if they have already participated in laboratory research, been involved in extracurricular science activities, or have taken advanced courses relevant to their field.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A "DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUND"?

Disadvantaged background means that your financial aid office has certified you as having "exceptional financial need" (EFN), as defined by the federal government. Please do not use the table to determine your own eligibility. Your university’s financial aid officer will certify your eligibility using your FAFSA information.

WHAT IS A PAYBACK?

The payback is the yearlong service obligation required by the UGSP in exchange for the scholarship award. UGSP also refers to trainees completing this obligation as paybacks.

WHAT COLLEGE MAJORS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP?

The UGSP does not have specific major requirements; however, one's area of study must be applicable to an aspect of research being conducted within the NIH intramural program and related to STEM and health. While biology, chemistry, and psychology are the most common majors, many public health, social science, physics, engineering, and mathematics majors have also participated in the program.

CAN I DEFER MY one-YEAR POST-GRADUATION COMMITMENT?

UGSP scholars can defer their post-graduation service obligation while completing a graduate or medical program leading to a doctoral degree. Deferments cannot be granted for training conducted by any entity that imposes a service obligation, such as a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

IF I CHOOSE NOT TO RENEW MY UGSP SCHOLARSHIP, CAN I DEFER MY one-YEAR POST-GRADUATION COMMITMENT WHILE COMPLETING MY UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE?

If you do not receive a renewal of your scholarship and remain a full-time undergraduate student, you must submit annual verification of your continued enrollment.

WHAT IF I DON'T MEET THIS DEFINITION OF "DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUND"?

Federal regulations prevent us from considering applicants who do not meet the above definition of disadvantaged background; however, NIH offers other training programs that do not require students to be disadvantaged. For information on all of NIH's training programs, visit the Office of Intramural Training and Education website.

MAY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS APPLY?

UGSP Scholars must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. UGSP recipients are federal employees during their training at the NIH and must be eligible for federal employment. In general, only U.S. citizens and nationals are eligible for federal employment.

IF I AM SELECTED THIS FALL, WHEN AM I REQUIRED TO COMPLETE MY 10-WEEK SUMMER LABORATORY EXPERIENCE?

All scholars must complete a summer experience following the academic year of their scholarship award. 

IS THERE A LIST OF INVESTIGATORS WHO ARE TAKING UGSP SCHOLARS?

The NIH does not keep a list of investigators who exclusively serve as mentors for UGSP scholars/paybacks. You can, however, go to previous UGSP newsletters to find out which NIH investigators hosted UGSP scholars in previous summers. A comprehensive explanation of how to search for a mentor can be found at FAQ "How do UGSP scholars find their mentors?"  You can also find information regarding how to identify a mentor on the OITE Mentor webpage

ARE UGSP SCHOLARS ASSIGNED MENTORS FOR THEIR RESEARCH EXPERIENCES?

UGSP scholars completing summer or year-long obligations can search for NIH investigators with whom they would like to work.  The UGSP will request a statement of research interest from each scholar, as well as a list of possible mentors to assist with mentor placement.  Mentor selection is left to the discretion of the UGSP director; however, the UGSP will take research interests and mentor lists into account.  Scholars returning for payback following receipt of a graduate or medical degree are responsible for their own mentor selection.

HOW DO UGSP SCHOLARS FIND THEIR MENTORS?

Scholars use a variety of resources to find mentors and receive guidance from UGSP staff once accepted into the program. Two main ways to learn about NIH intramural research programs are described in depth in the How to Find an NIH Mentor YouTube video:

CAN UGSP SCHOLARS COMPLETE PAYBACK IN AN EXTRAMURAL LAB THAT RECEIVES NIH FUNDING?

All scholars must complete the summer and year-long payback obligations in NIH intramural labs located on an NIH campus.  Summer experiences must be completed at the main campus in Bethesda, MD.  Year-long payback can be completed in an intramural lab at any of the following NIH campus locations:

  • Main campus in Bethesda, MD
  • Shady Grove or Executive Blvd in Rockville, MD
  • Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research or NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Frederick, MD
  • Bayview Campus in Baltimore, MD
  • Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC
  • Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, MT
  • Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch in Phoenix, AZ

DOES THE UGSP PROVIDE HOUSING DURING THE SUMMER AND YEAR-LONG PAYBACK PERIODS?

The NIH is unable to provide housing to UGSP scholars working at NIH. We can offer some information that may help you in finding a place to live. However, any information we provide is just that; it does not constitute advice, nor are we endorsing or approving any companies or services.

  • The Moving Guide prepared by the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education provides housing suggestions along with information on virtually everything you will need to know about moving to Bethesda, Baltimore, or Frederick, MD.
  • Club-PCR Google group External Link is for young scientists in the Bethesda area.  You can use this group to find housing, sell items, arrange carpooling, or gather information. This group is not associated with the NIH, and you should use an email address other than your NIH email address to subscribe.  Please state your name and reason for joining the group when you request membership.

It might help you to know as well that the NIH is on the Red Line of the D.C. Metro External Link at the Medical Center stop External Link. Getting around via Metro is generally a good choice.