15 Pre-Med Summer Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 10 min read
As an undergraduate student, a pre-med summer internship can be a valuable step toward exploring the medical field and strengthening your academic and professional foundation. Summer internships in medicine help you gain professional experience, develop skills, and build valuable connections in clinical and research settings. During these internships, you might assist with research projects, analyze data, shadow physicians, or contribute to healthcare initiatives that align with your academic interests. These experiences can expose you to the rigor of medical work, helping you understand the day-to-day life of researchers and healthcare professionals while expanding your professional network.
To help you navigate the many options, we’ve curated 15 pre-med summer internships for undergraduates.
If you are looking for online internships, check out our blog here.
15 Pre-Med Summer Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 8–12 week cohorts offered year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (typically January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates, high school, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup.
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $6,000 stipend, apartment-style housing provided, up to $500 travel allowance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 20 students annually
Program Dates: May 19 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a GPA >3.2; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; strong letters of recommendation; full-time commitment required
The NSIP provides pre-med summer internships for undergraduates with hands-on experience in translational cancer research, integrating laboratory, clinical, and educational experiences. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor at the University of Maryland to work on projects in basic, translational, or clinical cancer research. The program includes laboratory training, clinical shadowing, and professional development, and culminates in oral and poster presentations. NSIP emphasizes bridging discoveries from the lab to patient care while preparing students for careers as physician-scientists and cancer researchers.
Location: NIH Intramural Campus, Bethesda, MD
Stipend: Paid; monthly stipends range from $3,010–$3,310, depending on undergraduate year
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Early June – Early August
Application Deadline: Typically February
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled at least half-time in an accredited U.S. college or university; must commit to a full-time 8-week schedule
At the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), you’ll work alongside NIH investigators conducting biomedical research in areas such as immunology, cell biology, and genetics. This program is one of several pre-med summer internships for undergraduates, offering projects to explore mechanisms of diseases affecting joints, skin, and muscles while introducing you to laboratory techniques, ethics, and scientific communication. The program includes seminars, symposia, and networking events with NIH researchers, along with opportunities to present your findings at the Annual NIH Summer Research Poster Day.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: Paid; stipend amount varies by division and funding source
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: Approximately 10 weeks, typically June – August
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds; some divisions require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
The Johns Hopkins Summer Internship Program immerses undergraduates in biomedical and public health research under the guidance of faculty mentors. You’ll take part in a project that mirrors a first-year graduate rotation, reading background literature, learning experimental or field techniques, and contributing directly to ongoing investigations. The program emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and professional development, with regular lab meetings and opportunities to discuss current scientific advances. Interns complete their projects with a strong foundation in research methodology and a clearer understanding of careers in science and medicine.
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Stipend: Paid; $1,500 stipend with on-campus summer housing provided (travel and meals not covered)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Early June – Early August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited U.S. institution; minimum 3.5 GPA required; prior research experience preferred; strong interest in pursuing an M.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
The Vanderbilt Undergraduate Clinical Research Internship Program (UCRIP) integrates hands-on research with direct clinical experience in an academic medical setting. As an intern, you’ll join a hospital-based general medicine team, shadow physicians during rounds, and complete a mentored research project tailored to your academic interests. Weekly seminars cover topics like medical school admissions, clinical ethics, and healthcare policy. The program concludes with a formal research presentation, giving you both scientific and professional exposure relevant to medical careers.
Location: Multiple locations, including Bethesda, Maryland, and Framingham, Massachusetts
Stipend: Paid; stipends vary based on education level and experience
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: May 19 – August 8 (6–8 weeks; flexible start dates: May 19, May 27, or June 2)
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 18+ who are enrolled at least half-time in high school (senior year), college, graduate, or professional programs; recent graduates accepted to an accredited institution are also eligible
The NHLBI Summer Internship Program allows undergraduates to conduct research alongside NIH scientists in fields related to heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders. Over six to eight weeks, you’ll work under the mentorship of a principal investigator on a basic or clinical research project, gaining exposure to experimental design, data collection, and analysis. The program also features seminars, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities across NIH. Interns present their findings at the NIH Summer Research Poster Day, developing both research and communication skills essential for medical and scientific careers.
Location: Multiple locations, including Bethesda, Maryland & Hamilton, Montana
Stipend: Paid; stipend varies based on academic level and experience
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective (varies by lab and mentor availability)
Program Dates: Minimum of 8 consecutive weeks (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: Mid-February (opens mid-November)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; open to high school seniors through graduate and medical students (18+ by June 1)
In the Summer Research Training Program at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), you’ll work alongside leading scientists investigating the mechanisms of immunologic, allergic, and infectious diseases. Based at NIH’s main campus in Maryland or at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana, you’ll spend eight weeks conducting hands-on biomedical research under the mentorship of a principal investigator. Interns take part in research seminars, lab meetings, and professional development sessions organized by the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education. This program is designed to immerse you in real-world translational and clinical research while encouraging your growth as a future biomedical researcher.
Location: Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $650/week stipend, $85/week meal allowance, travel stipend, and housing provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohort accepted annually
Program Dates: May 27– August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students from 2- or 4-year U.S. institutions with at least a “B” in general biology and chemistry; preference for students from colleges with limited research opportunities
The Wistar Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program gives you the chance to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that shape human health and disease. After a two-week orientation covering core lab techniques, you’ll spend eight weeks conducting independent research in areas like apoptosis, genome instability, viral latency, and immune responses. You’ll be paired with a Wistar mentor, attend workshops on scientific communication and career development, and present your findings in a final research symposium. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship, and community building, preparing you for graduate studies and careers in biomedical science.
Location: Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 25–27 students annually
Program Dates: Typically June – August
Application Deadline: Check the program website for updates
Eligibility: Undergraduate pre-medical students
The Weill Cornell Medicine Summer Research Fellowship (WCMSRF) gives you hands-on experience in clinical or laboratory research under faculty mentorship. You’ll investigate a research question while learning investigative techniques applicable to future medical studies. The program also includes didactic sessions on public health, healthcare disparities, research basics, and medical school preparation, as well as panels with physicians across multiple specialties. Limited physician shadowing is offered to complement research training. This fellowship emphasizes experiential learning, professional development, and exposure to healthcare serving underserved populations.
Location: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid; $5,000 stipend, free housing, need-based travel awards available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 30 students annually
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors at accredited four-year colleges; minimum 3.3 GPA; interested in pediatric research; freshmen ineligible
The CRISSP program immerses undergraduates in pediatric research across basic/translational, clinical, and behavioral tracks. You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor, develop an independent research project, and gain hands-on experience in lab or clinical settings. The program includes formal training, professional development sessions, and optional clinical shadowing. By engaging in research that addresses child health and wellness, you’ll gain practical skills and insights to prepare for careers in medicine, academia, and scientific research.
Location: NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid; $5,000 stipend, free housing, travel reimbursement provided (food and personal expenses not included)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; approximately 30 students annually
Program Dates: May 31 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications open October 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates who have completed their sophomore or junior year; full-time commitment required
The SURP program provides hands-on biomedical research experience under the mentorship of NYU faculty in areas such as cell biology, neuroscience, molecular oncology, immunology, epidemiology, and computational biomedicine. As an intern, you’ll spend most of your time conducting research in a lab, participating in weekly journal clubs and seminars, and engaging in “Conversations with a Scientist/Physician” lunch sessions. The program concludes with poster presentations to the NYU Langone research community and at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium, offering professional exposure and insight into biomedical research careers.
Location: Harvard-affiliated hospitals: Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital
Stipend: Unpaid; no housing provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 3 – August 29
Application Deadline: February 25
Eligibility: Undergraduates: Full-time freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at accredited U.S. colleges/universities; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; interested in clinical research or healthcare careers
The Harvard Orthopedic Trauma Internship provides hands-on experience in clinical research and hospital observation. You’ll work with a multidisciplinary team studying orthopedic injuries, collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and possibly writing case reports. Interns gain exposure to operating rooms, emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, and inpatient units, along with optional participation in conferences and educational forums. The program emphasizes curiosity, teamwork, and professional growth, offering a realistic view of hospital-based research and patient care in orthopedic surgery.
Location: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Stipend: Paid; stipend determined annually by Mayo Clinic
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Approximately late May – early August, 10 weeks
Application Deadline: Typically early January
Eligibility: Undergraduate students authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship; must pass background check and post-offer assessment
The Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Ethics Research immerses you in mentored research on ethical issues in healthcare, medicine, and bioethics. You’ll spend roughly 40 hours per week on empirical research, study design, data collection, analysis, and scholarly writing under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Weekly discussion-based sessions led by expert clinicians and researchers provide exposure to current and seminal topics in biomedical ethics. This program develops both research and professional skills, preparing you for careers in healthcare, bioethics, law, or scientific research.
Location: University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL
Stipend: Paid; $4,000 stipend, campus housing provided, travel not covered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; up to 15 students annually
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1 (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; sophomore or junior undergraduates; international students ineligible
The SIBS Undergraduate Research Program gives you hands-on experience in biomedical research while integrating into UAB’s clinical and scientific community. You’ll work on mentored projects with faculty, explore major basic and clinical research areas, and interact with both scientists and clinicians. The program emphasizes practical lab training, professional development, and exposure to medical and graduate education pathways, helping undergraduates prepare for careers in medicine and biomedical research.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA(in-person and virtual options)
Cost: $6,580 (On campus program fee), $4,580 (Virtual program fee) $95 (Application fee); financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Session 1 (In Person): July 13 – 24; Session 2 (Virtual): July 27 – August 7; Fall Intensive (Virtual): September 10 – November 12
Application Deadline: Typically February
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors, and undergraduate pre-med students
The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI) immerses you in the world of clinical medicine through simulations, guided dissections, and case-based learning with Stanford physicians and medical students. You’ll observe real medical scenarios, visit Stanford clinics and the Life Flight emergency station, and explore procedures like heart, brain, and kidney dissections. Alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, you’ll gain firsthand insight into the daily life of healthcare professionals while developing clinical reasoning, teamwork, and communication skills. The program provides the opportunity to learn directly from Stanford’s medical community in both virtual and in-person settings.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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