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Frequently Asked Questions


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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 second 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.

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