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Internships and Student Programs

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

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

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: October 26, 2023