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Internships and Student Programs

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The application opens mid-November 2022

COVID-19 Update: At this time we expect that the 2023 NIH SIP will be in-person. We will continue to update this page and notify applicants with any changes as they occur.

In the meantime, questions may be directed to Summer_Postbac_Quest@mail.nih.gov

For NEI-specific information, please contact Dr. Cesar Perez-Gonzalez, NEI Summer Coordinator and Training Director.

At NEI, we’re dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of vision researchers and clinicians. Through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), we offer exciting opportunities to students in high school, college, graduate school, and medical or dental school.

Summer internships

NEI’s 2 summer internship programs are open to students who are enrolled at least half time in:

  • High school (age 17 or older)
  • College
  • Graduate school
  • Medical or other professional school (like veterinary or optometry programs)

Internships are in Bethesda or Rockville, Maryland and last 8 to 12 weeks.

NIH Summer Intern Program 
Spend the summer working alongside some of the world’s leaders in vision research. Our interns have assisted on important projects studying eye diseases, genetics, retinal cell biology, and more.

Learn more about the Summer Intern program

Diversity In Vision Research & Ophthalmology (DIVRO) 
We believe that increasing diversity in the field of vision research will help us better tackle the challenges of treating eye disease. This program offers hands-on training and mentorship to students from underrepresented groups in vision research.

Find out more about the DIVRO program

Student programs

For college students

Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Student scientists from disadvantaged backgrounds can get scholarship support and paid research training from NIH— as well as paid employment and further training after graduation.

Learn more about the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program

For college graduates

Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award
Recent graduates who plan to apply to graduate or professional school can spend 1 to 2 years doing full-time biomedical research at NIH. Work side by side with some of the world’s leading scientists.

Explore your postbaccalaureate options

The NIH Academy
Learn about health disparities and how we can address them. The Academy’s goal is to encourage future researchers and physician scientists to focus on improving access to health care so all people can live healthier lives.

Find out more about the NIH Academy’s goals

For medical students

Medical Research Scholars Program
Get professional training, take part in research, and work closely with NIH mentors and advisers. We aim to make this the premier training program for tomorrow’s leaders in medicine and biomedical research.

Read the requirements for the Medical Research Scholars Program

For graduate students

Graduate Partnerships Program
Take advantage of NIH’s extensive resources while you conduct your dissertation research. Join the Intramural Research Program and collaborate with leading scientists and clinicians.

Learn more about the Graduate Partnerships Program

For postdoctoral fellows

Postdoctoral Research Training Awards

Improve your research skills while collaborating with leading NIH investigators. At NIH, you can explore your area of research interest with the support of a vibrant postdoctoral community. 

Find opportunities for postdoctoral research

Last updated: November 22, 2022