NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH)

A need-based college scholarship for undergraduates pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science research.

Program overview
The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) provides financial support to undergraduate students who demonstrate both financial need and a commitment to careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science research. Recipients may receive up to $20,000 per academic year to help cover tuition, educational costs, and reasonable living expenses. Awards are made for one academic year and can be renewed for up to four years.

In return for each year of scholarship assistance, scholars agree to two paid service commitments within the NIH Intramural Research Program:
- A ten-week, full‑time summer internship at NIH that takes place immediately after the academic year of scholarship support.
- One year of full‑time employment at NIH following completion of the undergraduate degree (this post‑graduation obligation can be deferred if the scholar pursues an advanced degree).

Research experience and locations
UGSP scholars join research teams led by NIH Principal Investigators and gain hands‑on experience in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research, including translational and clinical projects. Students from disciplines such as biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, and other health‑related fields are encouraged to apply. Scholars must work within NIH Intramural Research Laboratories; positions in administrative offices or outside the Intramural Research Program are not permitted.

Research placements are available across multiple NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The summer internship obligation is performed in Bethesda; the post‑graduation employment requirement may be completed at any NIH campus.

Professional development and support
Beyond laboratory experience, UGSP participants benefit from:
- A supportive scholar cohort and peer network.
- Professional development programming focused on research and healthcare career competencies.
- Educational and career advising services.
- Comprehensive well‑being and resilience resources.

Read about past recipients in the NIH Catalyst: “30 Years On, Undergraduate Scholarship Program Sows Scientific Excellence.”

Service obligation details
For every full or partial year of UGSP funding, scholars incur 62 weeks (one year and ten weeks) of required service at NIH. The maximum cumulative service obligation is four years. Scholars must serve as full‑time employees in an NIH Intramural Research Laboratory and are expected to begin their post‑graduation service within 60 days after meeting undergraduate degree requirements, unless a deferment is approved by UGSP.

Eligibility requirements
To be eligible to apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meet all of the following:
- Be enrolled or accepted as a full‑time undergraduate student at an accredited four‑year college or university.
- Maintain a grade point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, or rank in the top five percent of your class.
- Demonstrate exceptional financial need, as certified by your institution’s financial aid office.
- Be able to pass a federal background investigation.

Carefully review the program’s full terms and conditions; failure to do so may prevent participation.

Who is not eligible
You are ineligible to apply if any of the following apply:
- You are a high school senior.
- You already hold an undergraduate degree.
- You are currently enrolled in an advanced degree program (for example, a master’s program).
- You cannot fulfill the program’s payback/service obligations.

Note: NIH has strict nepotism policies. Having a family member employed at NIH may limit placement options within certain institutes, centers, or research groups.

Scholarship, stipend, and benefits
- Scholarship support of up to $20,000 per academic year is paid directly to your university and may be applied toward tuition, educational costs, and reasonable living expenses as defined by your institution.
- During the summer internship and the post‑graduation employment period, scholars receive pay directly from NIH. Compensation is based on the scholar’s education level; eligible employees also receive benefits such as access to health insurance and either free parking or Transhare transit benefits.

Before you apply
Accepting a UGSP scholarship carries binding service obligations and requires relocation for NIH appointments. Scholars must live on or relocate to the NIH Bethesda campus for the summer internship and to Bethesda or another NIH campus to complete the post‑graduation employment period. Make sure you understand the program’s structure, expectations, and obligations before beginning your application.

For more information about applying, watch the video “NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) Application Information.”