Interested in joining a graduate program in biomedical sciences? Our program helps you obtain the research experience you need to be competitive for entry. If accepted to the program, you will receive training intended to increase your skills in writing, math, and research (including conducting an independent research project). Learn more about program benefits, which include a stipend and health benefits.
Most of your time in the program involves full-time, hands-on research activities in the laboratory of a UAB faculty member. We will match you with an NIH-funded mentor. This will help you gain research experience crucial to entry into a top doctoral graduate program. You will also have opportunities to strengthen your academic and test taking abilities and presentation skills.
Eligibility Requirements
For complete information regarding eligibility, read the Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity.
To be eligible for the UAB PREP Scholars program, you must have received your baccalaureate degree within the 36 months prior to entry into the program. You must not be currently enrolled or accepted in a graduate or other professional program.
Eligibility for entry into the program is based on the requirements outlined in the PREP program announcement (PAR-22-220), including:
- U.S. Citizens or permanent residents with a keen interest in entering a PhD or MD/PhD program from populations underrepresented in the Biomedical Sciences. This includes:
- Blacks or African Americans,
- Hispanics or Latinos,
- American Indians or Alaska Natives,
- Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.
- Individuals with disabilities.
- Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as those who meet two or more of the following criteria:
- Were or currently are homeless, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act;
- Were or currently are in the foster care system, as defined by the Administration for Children and Families;
- Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years;
- Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree (
first-generation and continuing generation college students); - Were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell Grants;
- Received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as a parent or child.
- Grew up in one of the following areas:
- a U.S. rural area, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer, or
- a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-designated Low-Income and Health Professional Shortage Areas (qualifying zip codes are included in section C7 of the NIH Diversity Notice).