Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I choose a research group?

We strongly recommend that you read information on finding research groups in the NIH Intramural Research Program before you select being the process of finding a research group and interviewing for positions.

Can I train at NIH with support from an outside grant or fellowship?

Some organizations will fund research for intramural fellows. We have compiled a list of those we know will accept (and will not accept) applications from NIH trainees and fellows: Funding Opportunities for NIH Intramural Fellows. If you have questions, reach out to both the funder and the IC training director or IC scientific director to confirm that you are eligible to apply and that you will be allowed to accept funding if successful.

What resources does OITE offer to support trainees and fellows at the NIH?

The OITE supports trainees and fellows in all NIH ICs, at all training levels and on all NIH campuses. You can learn about what we offer by visiting other areas of this website including:

• Professional skills
• Career services
• Well-being resources

How do I find housing?

We have some information on planning your move and finding housing resources. The NIH does not offer dormitory housing.

Can I work remotely?

NIH trainees and fellows may not be appointed to work remotely; however, you may be able to work from home (telework) on a limited basis.

Can I work in an administrative or policy office as part of the NIH SIP or postbac program?

NIH interns must work in a research group in the Intramural Research Program. If you want to work in administrative or policy positions at NIH, apply to the NIH Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates Program operated by Human Resources.

What should I do if I'm having trouble creating or logging in to my account?

The following actions may help you solve the problem:

• Try a different internet browser.
• Clear your browser history and reboot your computer. Open your browser and try to login before opening any additional webpages or applications.
• Try using an incognito window to access your NIHAC account.
• Create a Login.Gov account for authentication. You can store multiple email addresses and phone numbers within the Login.Gov account.
• If you forgot your preferred sign-in provider, you may break the existing link and create a new one by using the [Get Instructions] from the webpage: https://www2.training.nih.gov/apps/rto/ac/forms/acclink.aspx. Instructions on re-linking will be sent to your email address; URL contained within the email is valid for 20-minutes.
• Use a stable internet connection.

How do I make changes to my application after applying?

For the postbac program, use the login credentials sent to you in your receipt of confirmation email to make changes and updates to your application.

For programs with a set deadline such as GPP, SIP, and UGSP, no changes to application materials are allowed after application deadline has passed.

To whom should I address the personal statement?

Your personal statement may be read by many NIH investigators; therefore, use the salutation “Dear NIH Investigator”. If you are sending a follow-up email directly to a Principal Investigator (PI), you should address the email to "Dear Dr.”.

Whom should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

You should request letters from individuals who can best evaluate your scientific accomplishments and your potential for a research internship, for example, teachers, employers, and people who mentored you in other internships. You should never ask family members or friends.

Who ensures that letters of reference are received?

You are responsible for making certain that we receive your letters of reference. Log in and check your application using the ‘Modify Application’ tool in the Application Center. You can resend the request and contact your reference to remind them to submit the letter.

Can I change my reference(s) after I have submitted my application?

You can change a reference if the original reference has not yet submitted a letter on your behalf. Please notify that individual that you will no longer require their assistance.

If I change a reference, will my original reference be notified?

No. It is your responsibility to let your original reference know that their assistance will no longer be required.

I applied for an NIH position last year. Can I update that application?

No, you will need to reapply.

I am currently enrolled in high school. Can I apply to SIP?

If you are enrolled at least half-time as a senior in high school at the time of application and have graduated high school before the start of the internship,

AND, you are:

• 18 years old by September 30, 2026. If you are a graduating high school senior who will be 17 years old as of June 1, 2026 but will turn 18 by September 30, 2026, your permanent home address must be located within 40 miles of an NIH campus.

then yes, you may apply.

Are students who are U.S. citizens attending foreign institutions eligible to apply?

If you are a U.S. citizen attending a foreign institution, you are eligible to apply. If you are a permanent resident, you must be attending an accredited institution in the U.S.

How are SIP applications reviewed?

Investigators in the NIH intramural research program search for applicants with particular interest or by other fields in the application (GPA, university, previous research experiences) to find applicants who might be a good fit. You greatly increase your chances of admission, by reaching out to potential research groups as explained in our 'Find NIH research groups' resources.

Are international students eligible to apply?

No. UGSP Scholars must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

In addition to the minimum requirements, what do you look for in applicants?

Successful UGSP applicants are well-rounded students with research experience, a strong academic record, and a commitment to extracurricular activities.

What is considered a "disadvantaged background"?

Disadvantaged background means that your financial aid office has certified you as having "exceptional financial need" (EFN), as defined by the federal government. Your university’s financial aid officer will need to certify your eligibility.

What is a “payback” or “service obligation”?

The payback is the yearlong service obligation required by the UGSP in exchange for the scholarship award. UGSP also refers to trainees completing this obligation as paybacks.

Can I defer my post-graduation service obligation?

UGSP scholars can defer their post-graduation service obligation while completing a graduate or medical program leading to a doctoral degree. Deferments cannot be granted for training conducted by any entity that imposes another service obligation, such as a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Are students who are U.S. citizens attending foreign institutions eligible to apply?

If you are a U.S. citizen attending a foreign institution, you are eligible to apply. If you are a permanent resident, you must be attending an accredited institution in the U.S.

When should I submit my application?

Postbac applications are accepted year-round.

Is there a minimum GPA for program eligibility?

No.

I will have received my bachelor's degree more than three years ago, but I spent several years in Teach for America, Americorps, or the Peace Corps; can I apply?

If you started one of these programs immediately after you completed your college degree, we will determine eligibility from the date you completed your service. Enter the date on which you completed, or will complete, your service into the field requesting date of receipt of your bachelor's degree. Also, please explain these circumstances in your cover letter.

I have a master's degree; am I eligible to apply to the Postbac Program?

Yes. Eligibility for the Postbac Program is based on the timing of the receipt of your bachelor's degree. However, if you received your bachelor's degree more than 3 years before the date on which you would like to begin the program, you will be eligible only if you can begin within six months of receipt of a master's degree.

How are applications reviewed?

Investigators in the NIH intramural program search for applicants with particular interest or by other fields in the application (GPA, university, previous research experiences) to find applicants who might be a good fit. You greatly increase your chances of admission, by reaching out to potential research groups as explained in our guide to Find NIH research groups.

How will I be notified if I am selected?

The investigator who has selected you or an administrative officer in their Institute will contact you by phone or email. There is no central selection process for the postbac program.

How long will my application remain active?

Your application will remain active for one year from the date you submit it or until you are selected, you withdraw your application, or your eligibility expires.

What are my chances of receiving a postbac position?

Like many of the research training programs at the NIH, the Postbac Program is highly competitive. Over the past calendar year, about 25% of applicants were selected for the program.

How can I improve my chances of being selected for the postbac program?

You greatly increase your chances of being selected, by reaching out to potential research groups as explained in our guide to find NIH research groups.

How do I apply for an institutional agreement program?

Please complete the NIH GPP Application. See the GPP Institutional Partnerships page for requirements and contact information for each partnership.

When should I submit my application for the institutional agreement program?

Graduate Partnerships Program application dates can be found on the GPP Institutional Partnerships page.

How many institutional applications may I submit?

You can apply to as many institutional partnerships as you wish.

What visa status is used to sponsor visiting fellows/international trainees as graduate students?

Generally, pre-doctoral Visiting Fellows are sponsored by the NIH on J-1 visas. The H-1B visa is an employment visa and is not appropriate for graduate students. If you are currently in the U.S. studying on an F visa, you should consult the international services office on your university campus for information on training at NIH.

Is there a central application portal for individual agreement students?

There is no central application system. After identifying an NIH PI willing to host you and obtaining permission from your graduate program to conduct research at NIH, you must register as an individual GPP student.

As a GPP student can I apply for/bring my NIH extramural funding (e.g. F31) to support my stipend in the GPP?

No. In general, extramural funds are meant to support research at universities and other non-NIH research institutions.

As an individual partnership student can I volunteer in an NIH research group to work on my dissertation if the PI cannot support my stipend?

No. The GPP requires that all students are paid at least as much as our stipend table dictates.

Can I apply for/bring non-NIH funding to support my stipend in the GPP?

This is sometimes possible but can be very complex; reach out to us at GPP@nih.gov before applying.

Is there a central application portal for postdocs?

No, you should apply directly to Principal Investigators (PIs) whose work interests you.

When should I submit my application?

Postdoc applications are accepted by Principal Investigators (PIs) year-round.

How many applications may I submit?

You may apply to work with as many NIH investigators as you wish.

Whom should I ask to write my letters of recommendation? What should I ask them to write?

You should request letters from individuals who can best evaluate your scientific accomplishments and your potential for successfully completing NIH training.

What instructions should I give those who will be writing my letters of recommendation?

Please ask three references who have direct knowledge of your scientific interests, abilities, and accomplishments to prepare written recommendations. Coordinate with the Principal Investigator (PI) that you are applying to for instructions on how to submit letters of reference.

Who ensures that letters of reference are received?

You are responsible for making certain the NIH Principal Investigator (PI) receives your letters of reference.

What is a Research Fellow?

Postdoctoral fellows can be promoted to Research Fellow, an appointment that makes them temporary NIH employees.

What type of visa is provided for Visiting Fellows?

Visiting Fellows are typically assisted in obtaining J-1 Visas. For additional information for international scholars, please visit the Division of International Services.