January 24, 2018

STEP-UP Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements for High School & Undergraduate Students

NIH encourages institutions to increase diversity in their student and faculty populations. To promote diversity and equity for students, and access to science, STEP-UP strives to increase research and educational opportunities for individuals regardless of economic background or zip code.

When applying to STEP-UP, applicants must meet all of the general and academic requirements at time of application submission, and one or more of the diversity and equity requirements.

General Requirements

  • Be a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or legal permanent resident
  • Be 16 years of age or older
  • Give proof of personal medical/health insurance coverage throughout the duration of the program. Exceptions will be made for students residing in the following U.S. territories: Marshall Island, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Saipan, and Guam.
  • Commit to completing the program

Academic Requirements

  • Be enrolled in a high school or an accredited U.S. college or university, or plan to be enrolled in the fall
    • High school students should be in their junior or senior year of high school during the application period
    • Undergraduate students should currently be enrolled as a full-time student at a U.S. accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Graduating college seniors are not eligible for the program.

Additional Information

STEP-UP encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented populations, underserved rural communities, those living with disabilities, or from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply. Consistent with applicable law, an individual candidate’s race, ethnicity, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or transgender status) may not be considered as a factor for purposes of program eligibility or in selecting participants.

For additional questions regarding the eligibility requirements, please visit the STEP-UP FAQs or contact the .