How to Apply

The NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program application process for fall 2024 admission has changed. Students who are either applying to or enrolled in a U.S. medical program or Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) are eligible to apply for the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Program. A general overview of the new application process is provided below. 

The first step in the application process is to determine whether you are eligible for the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program. The second step is to identify which of the two tracks apply to you. The third step is to submit a MSPP funding application. The last step is to apply to the appropriate track/pathway via the NIH GPP application portal. The components of the standard NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) application are listed below. More detailed information about eligibility requirements and the application process is listed on the individual track pages. 

I.  Eligibility Requirements

• United States citizenship or permanent residence
• Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
• MCAT scores
• Currently enrolled in or applying to a United States clinical degree program, medical school, or Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) 
• Research experience with a focused plan for PhD training at both the NIH and a partnering university

II.  To determine your track, please answer the following question(s):

1. Have you already started medical school?
   • If yes, you are a Track 2 applicant.
   • If no, please answer the next question.
      
2. Are you planning to attend medical school BEFORE you begin PhD research?
   • If yes, you are a Track 1 applicant.
      

III.  Application Process

1. Apply to U.S. clinical degree programs and/or medical schools
   • Candidates who are applying to or enrolled in any U.S. clinical program, medical school, or MD/PhD program may participate in the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Program
      
2. Submit an application for NIH MSPP funding 
   • The funding application opens July 8, 2023 and closes August 8, 2023
   • Track 1 applicants should contact NIAID staff to receive specific instructions on how to apply at least 90 days before the submission deadline by sending an email to NIHMSPPQuestions@niaid.nih.gov 
   • Track 2 applicants should contact their school's business or grants administration staff at least 90 days before the submission deadline
      
3. Submit an application for NIH MD/PhD training via the NIH GPP website
   • The NIH GPP application portal will open August 21, 2023 and close December 1st
   • There is no application fee for the NIH GPP application
   • MCAT scores are required for Track 1 admission only; Track 2 applicants are not required to provide MCAT scores for consideration

A few helpful hints are provided below.

• NIH GPP applications for the NIH MD/PhD training open every year in August and close in December. Applications for fall 2024 admission will open August 21, 2023 and close December 1, 2023.
   
• To submit an application, visit the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) Application Center.
   
• Prospective students must first submit the NIH GPP Application for admission consideration. If desired, interested candidates may delay submission of the UK University application until notification of program acceptance. Please note that students seeking consideration for external scholarships such as Rhodes or Gates-Cambridge must submit the UK application by the University deadline. If interested, a list of University fellowships are provided here. 
   
• It is highly recommended that prospective students read the FAQs prior to submitting an application.
   
• There is no application fee for the NIH GPP application. 
   
• MCAT scores are required for Track 1 applicants only. Track 2 applicants are not required to provide MCAT scores.
   
• Students selected to interview will be notified by late-January.
   
• Candidate interviews will be held in-person February 20-22, 2023. Invited interviewees are expected to participate all three days.
   
• Interviews may occur virtually or in-person at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland. If candidate interviews are held in-person, the program will cover the individual's transportation and lodging costs during interviews.
   
• Students admitted into the program will be notified by the end of February.
   
• Students admitted to the NIH MD/PhD Program must obtain approval from their medical school/MSTP Director in order to participate. 
   

NIH GPP Application Components

CV/ Resume:

• “Research Interests” may include:
  • Field(s) of research in which you are interested (e.g., neuroscience, imaging, immunology, biostatistics)
     
• “Research Experience” may include:
  • Research project title and aims
  • Research internships
  • Independent undergraduate research
  • Major accomplishments and findings
  • Research techniques learned
     
• “Publications & Presentations” may include:
  • Papers with complete author list and citation
  • Thesis, abstracts, poster and oral presentations at meetings, etc.
     
• "Awards & Honors” may include:
  • Undergraduate awards and recognitions
  • Dean’s lists
  • Research fellowships
  • Community citations
     
• “Extracurricular Activities” may include:
  • Leadership roles
  • Memberships in professional associations
     

Additional Information:

• List any scholarships (Marshall, Rhodes, Gates-Cambridge, NIH Cambridge Trust, Churchill, Fulbright, Gilliam etc.) for which you are currently applying.
• List potential mentors at the NIH and partnering universities in whose research interests you are interested. You can search for NIH faculty members on the individual NIH institute web sites, which can be found through the NIH Intramural Research Program site.

Letters of Recommendation:

• Requests for letters of recommendation will be sent to individuals as soon as you enter their contact information and save your application. It is not necessary for the applicant to submit the final application in order for these requests to be sent.
• Letters must be written and dated within the last 12 months.
• Only letters uploaded to the online application site will be accepted.
• Applications with less than three letters of recommendation are incomplete and will not be considered for admission.

Questions

Questions related to the NIH MD/PhD Program application may be directed to the program administrators at mdphd@od.nih.gov.