The National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship

Name: National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Award Amount: Up to $20,000 per academic year, renewable for up to four years

Information And Eligibility:
The National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program is a highly competitive federal scholarship designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science health-related research. Administered by the The National Institutes of Health, this program serves as both a financial aid initiative and a long-term workforce development effort aimed at strengthening the nation’s health research pipeline.

The scholarship provides substantial financial support to help offset the cost of undergraduate education, including tuition, educational expenses, and living costs. Eligible recipients may receive up to $20,000 per academic year, with the opportunity to renew the award for a total of four years. This long-term funding structure is intended to provide stability and allow students to focus on academic achievement, research training, and career preparation rather than financial stress.

The program is specifically intended for students who demonstrate a clear commitment to research careers that advance human health. Eligible fields include biomedical sciences, behavioral sciences, and social sciences with a health research focus. Applicants are expected to articulate their interest in research and their long-term career goals within health-related scientific fields. The scholarship is particularly geared toward students who intend to pursue graduate study or research-intensive careers following completion of their undergraduate degree.

In addition to academic and career alignment, financial need is a central eligibility component. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional financial need, which must be formally certified by their institution’s financial aid office. This requirement ensures that scholarship funds are directed toward students for whom financial barriers might otherwise limit access to advanced education and research opportunities.

Academic excellence is also required. Applicants must maintain a strong academic record, defined as a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or placement within the top five percent of their academic class. These standards reflect the program’s emphasis on supporting students who show both intellectual promise and the capacity to succeed in rigorous research-oriented academic environments.

The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program is more than a traditional financial award. It represents an early investment in future researchers who may go on to contribute to scientific discovery, public health advancement, and evidence-based policy. For students with strong academic records, demonstrated financial need, and a passion for health-related research, this program offers a powerful foundation for long-term academic and professional success.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be pursuing a career in biomedical, behavioral, or social science health-related research.
• Must be a United States citizen, national, or qualified noncitizen.
• Must be enrolled in or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited four-year undergraduate institution.
• Must demonstrate exceptional financial need, certified by the institution’s financial aid office.
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher or rank within the top five percent of the academic class.

Application Requirements:

• Completed NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program application.
• Certification of exceptional financial need from the college or university financial aid office.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating eligibility.
• Additional materials as specified by the program guidelines.

Deadline: March

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