NIH Internship Summer 2025 Application For Undergraduates

Are you thinking about participating in the Summer Internship Program (SIP) at the National Institutes of Health? Well, guess what? This is your shot! The NIH Internship is basically a must-have if you wanna get some real-world experience in your field. Whether you’re a high school student who’s just curious about research or a college student trying to level up your resume, there’s a program that fits. It’s kinda tough to get in, though, so landing a spot proves your commitment since it shows you’re serious and ready to explore the science world. If you’ve got even the slightest interest, don’t sleep on this! It’s a chance to boost your skills and set yourself up for an epic future.

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About National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health is a renowned research institution. It is dedicated to advancing medical science and promoting public health. The organization serves as a leading force in new discoveries and revolutionary healthcare solutions. Comprised of 27 institutes and centres, the NIH conducts and supports a variety of research initiatives. These range from rare disease studies to early detection programs and treatment advancements. As a result of collaboration between scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, it addresses pressing health challenges and promotes evidence-based practices. With its commitment to scientific excellence and global impact, the NIH continues to influence the future of medicine and improve lives worldwide.

Types of NIH Internships

NIH offers a variety of internship programs suitable to students at different educational levels. Here’s a breakdown.

1. Summer Internship Program (SIP)

If you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or even a professional student and you’ve been dreaming about getting practical lab experience at one of the most prestigious research institutions in the world, the Summer Internship Program (SIP) is for you. This program is designed for students who are currently enrolled in a degree-granting program (such as college, grad school, or medical school) and are passionate about biomedical research.

This internship lasts 8-10 weeks, usually starting in May or June and running through August. During this time, you’ll work full-time in one of the NIH’s research groups. You’ll get the chance to conduct experiments, analyze data, learn from top researchers, and contribute to real scientific discoveries. One of the highlights of SIP is that you’ll be able to present your research at Poster Day, an event where interns showcase their findings to their colleagues and professionals.

• Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are currently enrolled in at least a half-time degree program (college or above).
• Stipend: Varies based on education level, but typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,000 per month.
• Location: NIH has research campuses across the U.S., but most interns work on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
• How to Apply: You’ll need to submit an application through the NIH’s official OITE website with your personal statement, resume, and two letters of recommendation.
• Acceptance Rate: This program is competitive, with thousands of applicants each year. Your chances improve if you apply early and directly contact a researcher in your field of interest.

2. High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)

Think internships are just for college students? Think again! NIH offers a High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) specifically for high school juniors and seniors who are passionate about science and research. If you’re someone who loves biology, chemistry, or any science-related field and wants to get real research experience before even starting college, this is your golden ticket.

This internship runs for 8 weeks during the summer, starting in mid-June. It’s a fantastic way to gain lab experience, learn research techniques, and see if a career in science is right for you. Just like the SIP program for college students, high school interns get the chance to work on real scientific projects under the guidance of experienced NIH researchers.

• Eligibility: You must be at least 17 years old by June 15 of the internship year and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You should also be a current junior or senior in high school.
• Stipend: Around $2,000 – $2,500 per month, depending on NIH guidelines.
• Location: Bethesda, MD, and other NIH campuses across the U.S.
• How to Apply: Applications open in November and close in February. Like the SIP program, you’ll need a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a strong academic record.
• Acceptance Rate: HS-SIP is extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 7%. Early applications and networking with NIH researchers can help you secure a spot.

3. NIH Academic Internship Program (AIP)

If you’re looking for an internship that runs during the academic year, the NIH Academic Internship Program (AIP) might be your best bet. Unlike the summer internships, this program allows college and graduate students to intern at NIH while they’re still taking classes. It’s perfect for those who want to gain long-term research experience and balance their internship with their coursework.

The AIP doesn’t have a fixed start or end date. It depends on your academic schedule. You can apply for part-time or full-time research opportunities, and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to arrange it for academic credit at your school.

• Eligibility: You must be enrolled in a degree-granting program (college or graduate school) and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Stipend: Just like SIP, stipends vary based on education level and hours worked.
• Location: Available at various NIH campuses across the country.
• How to Apply: You’ll need to directly contact NIH investigators whose research corresponds with your interests and ask if they’re open to hosting an academic-year intern.

Since AIP isn’t as widely advertised as SIP, fewer students apply, meaning your chances of securing a position might be slightly better. The key to success here? Reaching out to NIH researchers personally and showing appreciation for their work.

4. NIEHS Summer Internship Program

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Summer Internship Program is a specialized branch of NIH internships focused on environmental health research. If you’re passionate about climate change, pollution, toxicology, or how the environment impacts human health, this is the internship for you.

Interns work in modern labs in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and get to study how environmental factors like air pollution, chemicals, and diet affect human health. This program is particularly beneficial if you’re considering a career in environmental sciences, toxicology, public health, or related fields.

• Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, graduate, and medical students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Stipend: Similar to other NIH internships, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
• Location: NIEHS campus in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
• How to Apply: Apply through the NIH SIP application system, and if you’re interested in a specific NIEHS lab, consider emailing researchers directly.

5. NIH Cancer Research Internships (CCR SIP)

For those who are passionate about cancer research, the NIH Center for Cancer Research (CCR) Summer Internship Program (CCR SIP) is an incredible opportunity. This program focuses on oncology, cancer genetics, and tumour biology, which allows interns to work in some of the best cancer research labs in the world.

Interns work at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a division of NIH, where they contribute to the development of cancer studies and new treatment discoveries. This program is especially valuable if you’re considering a career in medicine, oncology, molecular biology, or bioinformatics.

• Eligibility: Open to college, graduate, and medical students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Stipend: Follows standard NIH stipend guidelines ($2,500 – $3,000/month).
• Location: Mainly on NIH’s Bethesda, MD campus.
• How to Apply: Applications go through the NIH SIP system, and networking with cancer researchers at NCI can increase your chances of selection.

Tips to Stand Out

Want to make sure your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle? Here’s how:

1. Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to craft a compelling application.
2. Personal Statement: Share your passion. Why are you interested in research? How does this internship fit into your goals?
3. Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well and can testify to your excellence.
4. Reach Out: If there’s a specific researcher or lab you’re interested in, don’t be shy! Send them an email expressing your interest.

National Institutes of Health Internship Interview Questions:

So, if you’re planning to attend interviews for an internship at NIH, just be ready for some standard questions about whether you’re eligible, where you live, and when you’re available. If you’re an international student, they might ask about your residency status too. They’ll also wanna know if you actually understand how the stipend or salary thing works and if it matches what you need financially. Basically, the trick is to go in prepared, show them you’re excited about the opportunity, and prove that you’d fit right in with the whole research team. Oh, and make sure you sound like you’re really into science and can explain how you’d actually contribute because they’re definitely looking for someone authentic.

How to Apply for the NIH Internship?

Alright, so if you wanna apply for the NIH internship, just give the “Apply Here” button a click and check out their official site to see what they need from you. You gotta put together some impressive materials, like a strong cover letter that showcases what you’re capable of, why you’re into research, and why you’re hyped about this program. Then, fill out the online form while making sure all your school details and past research experience (if you have any) are accurate. Oh, and don’t forget to gather all the extra stuff they ask for like recommendation letters, transcripts, and your resume. Keep an eye on those deadlines, because this program is competitive.

Apply Here