The National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program is an accelerated, individualized doctoral training program for outstanding science students committed to biomedical research. The program is based on the British system in which students perform doctoral research without required formal courses other than those students choose to take in relationship to their own interests. Students selected for admission to the program have already developed a sophisticated scientific background by having engaged in research as undergraduates.

Successful applicants will spend half their time at the National Institutes of Health and the remainder at either Oxford or Cambridge in an intensive, research-driven, dual-mentored degree program. Students begin work to develop a dual-mentored thesis that meets their academic and research goals immediately upon acceptance. The scholar's doctorate, usually completed in four years, is conferred by either Oxford or Cambridge, depending on where their research is done; hence applicants must meet requirements for acceptance into the graduate program of the relevant University.

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Who Should Apply

To be eligible, you must: 

• be a US citizen or permanent resident
• plan to pursue a PhD in a biomedical field
• MD/PhD candidates must separately secure admission to an MD program

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How to Apply

NIH OxCam does not require university endorsement, but Drexel applicants are encouraged to seek support on their application from UREP.

Step 1: Submit an Intent to Apply Form

Deadline: May 15

Students and Drexel alumni who are interested in applying should submit an Intent to Apply form to set up a meeting with a fellowships advisor to discuss the program and any steps you can take now to become a more competitive candidate.

Qualified students who submit an Intent to Apply form by May 15 each year will work closely with a fellowships advisor and experienced Drexel faculty/staff, who will help the candidate clarify goals and values, assist with application details, and advise on the application.

Candidates who submit an Intent to Apply form after May 15 are not guaranteed the same level of advising, but are still welcome to apply.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Applications open every year in August.

Prospective students must first submit the NIH GPP Application for admission consideration. If desired, interested candidates may delay submission of the UK University application until notification of program acceptance. Please note that students seeking consideration for external scholarships such as Rhodes, Marshall, or Gates Cambridge must submit the UK application by the University deadline. For additional information, visit the External Scholarships page on the NIH OxCam website. 

The GPP application includes a CV/resume, MCAT scores if needed, a list of other scholarships to which the applicant is applying, a list of potential mentors at NIH and the desired university, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.

Step 3: Application Deadline: December

Applicants selected to interview will do so in February and be notified of their status by the end of the month. They must accept or decline the award by May. 

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Related awards: 

Chevening Scholarship; Gates Cambridge Scholarship; McCall MacBain Scholarship; Marshall Scholarship; Mitchell Scholarship; Rhodes Scholarship; Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Last updated: May 2024