National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)

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Program Description: 

The National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program offers about 15 competitive scholarships annually to exceptional students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to biomedical, behavioral, and social science research careers at the NIH.

Program Benefits: 

The program provides up to $20,000 per academic year in tuition, educational expenses, and living expenses. Scholarships are awarded for 1 year, and can be renewed up to 4 years. Paid research training at the NIH is provided during the summer and, after graduation, employment and training at the NIH.

Applicant Profile: 

Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be in the top 5% of their class. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate their commitment to a research career, usually by prior participation in laboratory research, extracurricular science activities, or advanced courses in their field.

Eligibility: 

Undergraduate student from a "disadvantaged background" with a demonstrated a commitment to pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. "Disadvantaged Background" status is established when the Office of Financial Aid certifies a student as having "exceptional financial need" (EFN), as defined by the Federal Government.

Obligations: 

Recipients must serve 1 year of full-time employment at the NIH for each year of the scholarship.

Citizenship: 

U.S. citizen, national, or "qualified non-resident." Some non-citizens are also eligible. For more information, see: https://ugsp.nih.gov/application_center/citizenship_req.asp?m=04.

Program Deadline: 

Usually in February.

How To Apply: 

Students or alumni, as applicable, may apply directly to this program. Applicants are encouraged, however, to work with SF State's fellowship advisor well in advance of the program deadline to perfect their application essays and other materials.