NEI Internships and Student Programs

NEI Internships and Student Programs is a program from the National Eye Institute (NEI) that funds and supports students at the high school, college, graduate, and professional school levels to gain hands-on vision research experience. NEI's two summer internship programs are open to college and graduate students through the NIH's broader internship framework.

The Intramural Research Program in Bethesda, Maryland hosts students in active research labs. Stipend amounts vary by program and level. NEI is committed to training the next generation of vision researchers and clinicians.

Internships and Student Programs | National Eye Institute Internships and Student Programs At NEI, we’re dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of vision researchers and clinicians. Through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), we offer exciting opportunities to students in college, graduate school, and medical or dental school.

NEI’s 2 summer internship programs are open to students who are enrolled at least half time in: Medical or other professional school (like veterinary or optometry programs) Internships are in Bethesda or Rockville, Maryland and last 8 to 12 weeks. NIH Summer Intern Program Spend the summer working alongside some of the world’s leaders in vision research.

Our interns have assisted on important projects studying eye diseases, genetics, retinal cell biology, and more. Learn more about the Summer Intern program Undergraduate Scholarship Program Student scientists from disadvantaged backgrounds can get scholarship support and paid research training from NIH— as well as paid employment and further training after graduation.

Learn more about the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award Recent graduates who plan to apply to graduate or professional school can spend 1 to 2 years doing full-time biomedical research at NIH. Work side by side with some of the world’s leading scientists. Explore your postbaccalaureate options Learn about health disparities and how we can address them.

The Academy’s goal is to encourage future researchers and physician scientists to focus on improving access to health care so all people can live healthier lives. Find out more about the NIH Academy’s goals Medical Research Scholars Program Get professional training, take part in research, and work closely with NIH mentors and advisers.

We aim to make this the premier training program for tomorrow’s leaders in medicine and biomedical research. Read the requirements for the Medical Research Scholars Program Graduate Partnerships Program Take advantage of NIH’s extensive resources while you conduct your dissertation research. Join the Intramural Research Program and collaborate with leading scientists and clinicians.

Learn more about the Graduate Partnerships Program Postdoctoral Research Training Awards Improve your research skills while collaborating with leading NIH investigators. At NIH, you can explore your area of research interest with the support of a vibrant postdoctoral community. Find opportunities for postdoctoral research Last updated: December 12, 2025