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Do OxCam Scholars get a PhD from the NIH?
No. The doctoral degree is awarded by the UK university the student selects. If the student selects the University of Cambridge, he/she will receive a PhD. If the student selects the University of Oxford, he/she will receive a DPhil.
What is a DPhil?
A DPhil is a Doctor of Philosophy. This term is used for the doctoral degree earned at the University of Oxford.
Is there on-campus housing?
There is on-campus housing available for NIH OxCam Scholars. However, it is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. OxCam Scholars who are interested in on-campus housing should contact the Director of Student Affairs.
What is the deadline for identifying my mentors?
While you should take your time to identify and interview with potential mentors, the steps to successful matriculation all start with the identification of your NIH mentor and appointment to his/her lab. Due to the accelerated nature of the program, the timeline following program acceptance is similarly fast-paced. As such, students admitted to the program are expected to confirm the NIH mentor selection in June.
What if I already have a mentor at the NIH?
That's great! This information should be included in your application. However, it does not guarantee you admission to the program. Our Admissions Committee looks at each applicant as a whole and while already having a mentor who is willing to support your training speaks volumes, it is not the only thing we are looking for.
Do OxCam Scholars get a PhD from the NIH?
No. The doctoral degree is awarded by the UK university the student selects.
If the student selects the University of Cambridge, he/she will receive a PhD. If the student selects the University of Oxford, he/she will receive a DPhil.
What is a DPhil?
A DPhil is a Doctor of Philosophy. This term is used for the doctoral degree earned at the University of Oxford.
What if I'm already in medical school?
Students enrolled in an MD/PhD program at U.S. medical school should apply for Track 2 of the NIH program at the beginning of the first year of medical school. Please visit the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program website for more information
May I pick my track (or training pathway)?
There are three tracks (or training pathways) available through the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program. Your track is determined by your current student/enrollment status.
If you have completed a Bachelor's/Master's degree and/or postbaccalaureate program and are simultaneously applying to medical school and the NIH program, you are considered a MD/PhD Track 1 applicant
If you are currently in medical school and are applying to the NIH Program, you are considered a MD/PhD Track 2 applicant.
If you are a current student in one of the NIH Graduate Partnership Programs and interested in pursuing a medical degree, you are considered a Track 3 applicant. Please note there are limited slots for Track 3 acceptance and funding.
For more information, visit the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program website.
What if my school does not have MSTP funding?
Students enrolled in schools that do not have MSTP funding are eligible to apply to the OxCam MD/PhD Program. However, these students are not eligible to receive supplementary funding from the NIH.
What if I'm in an MD program, not MD/PhD?
Students in a medical program are eligible to apply to the program. However, students enrolled in a medical program are not eligible to receive supplementary funding from the NIH. You may find more information on the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program website. Students may also elect speak to your medical school about options for dual degree training.
How long does it take to complete the program?
On average, OxCam Scholars are able to complete the degree requirements in a little over 4 years. Each student divides the time evenly between the two laboratories, with approximately two years at the NIH and two years in the UK. The OxCam Program does not dictate the student's location. OxCam Scholars determine how they will split the time between the NIH and UK based upon the needs of the research project. Typically, Scholars plan how to split their time in the program (i.e. NIH vs. the UK) while writing the research proposal at the start of the program.
Are standardized test scores required for the application?
GRE scores are not required.
MCAT scores are mandatory for students applying for Track 1 of the NIH MD/PhD Program.
Are there cut-offs on GPA and standardized test scores?
No. The NIH OxCam Program does not require a minimum GPA and/or test score for admission. However, students must meet the admissions criteria set by the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge as well as the departmental acceptance requirements.
What classes do I have to take?
The NIH OxCam Program does not have a defined curriculum. Outside of administrative and safety trainings for your NIH laboratory, the only classes you will take will be by your choice or your mentor's suggestion for the development of your research and scientific goals.
How does the interview process work?
Applicants selected to interview will be notified by late-January. Interviews are a three-day event in February at the NIH in Bethesda, MD. Each applicant will have a 30-minute panel interview with NIH Investigators and faculty from Oxford and Cambridge. Candidates are strongly encouraged to use any free time to schedule meetings with potential mentors at the NIH.
Where will I stay during interviews?
The OxCam Program will arrange your travel and accommodations to attend interviews.
International travel (i.e. students studying or working abroad at the time of interviews) will be considered on a case-by-case basis when funding is available.
How do I select my mentors?
The OxCam Program enables individualized doctoral training. OxCam Scholars may work with any NIH Intramural Investigator in any research area and in any Institute, as long as the PI is willing to host the students in his/her laboratory. At present, there are approximately 1200 Investigators in the Intramural Program. Therefore, OxCam Scholars can pursue any type of research he/she desires. Prospective applicants may identify potential mentors by visiting the NIH Intramural Research Program webpage.
How do I choose my project?
Students may create a unique project tailored to his/her desired research interests. Alternatively, students may select one on the prearranged projects listed on the Research Opportunities webpage.
For more information, please visit the Training Plan webpage, which provide more details about mentor and project selection.
How related is my work at the NIH and my work at my university in the UK?
They aren't just related, they should be two parts of a whole. In the NIH OxCam Program, you are working with two mentors at two institutes on a single project. The work that you do in each lab should contribute to your final thesis.
Are there Master's degree options for the NIH OxCam Program?
No. The NIH OxCam Program is a doctoral training program.
How much does the program cost?
Your tuition and fees will be paid by the program. Your stipend, medical benefits, and travel allowance are funded by your NIH mentor. There are external scholarships available, such as the Gates-Cambridge, Marshall and Rhodes Fellowships. Students are encouraged to apply. For more details, visit our page on external scholarships.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply?
Yes, at this time it is required that any applicant be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Who pays the student's stipend/tuition? If me, how much is it per year?
STIPEND: Stipend levels are set by NIH and are based on the students level of experience. The typical range is $30-35K, plus health insurance costs which add another $3500 or so. I would estimate about $40K although for a students health care, stipend, visa and travel cost per year.
TUITION: Tuition is paid centrally by the SD.. In some ICs the SD will bill the PI for this cost.
Where will I live?
There are several housing options while you are in the U.S., including On-Campus Housing at the NIH in Bethesda, and you can learn more about other options here. When you are at your university you will live in the college you join or you can explore other off-campus options.
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Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply?
Yes, at this time it is required that any applicant be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
How is the NIH OxCam Program any different than any other PhD program?
The NIH OxCam program is an accelerated PhD program, which allows scholars to complete an individualized, research-based PhD in approximately 4 years, which is significantly less than the average PhD program. The program also has a more student-driven structure with no designated course-work outside of that agreed on by student and mentor. For more information, visit the About section of our page.
