Cancer Research Interns Summer Program

Apply Now to CRI SP

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I am an international student. Am I eligible for CRI SP?

    Only citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. are eligible to apply to this program.

  2. I am a first-year medical school student. Can I apply to CRI SP?

    Yes, medical students can apply to CRI SP.

  3. Are CRI SP fellows permitted to train in other states?

    No, the CRI SP program is an NCI intramural fellowship for students to train on one of the NCI campuses in Maryland - Bethesda, Frederick, or Shady Grove.

  4. If I apply to the CRI SP will my application be shared with the NIH OITE?

    No, CRI SP application materials are not shared with OITE. You must submit a separate application to the NIH Summer Internship Program to be considered for the general program.

  5. Can I use the same reference letters for CRI SP and the NIH OITE Summer Program?

    Yes. You will be asked to submit names and contact information for 2 letters of reference for both applications. Each referee will receive a link to upload their letter. The information is not shared between the two application systems.

    Please note, the deadline for the CRI SP application is earlier than the deadline for the NIH SIP application.

  6. If I am not accepted this year into CRI SP, can I apply again next year?

    Yes, but you will need to reapply and request new letters of reference.

  7. If I am accepted into CRI SP, can I train in any lab within the NCI?

    Yes. These are opportunities to work with NCI scientists in a variety of different fields of study and disciplines in CCR, DCEG, and DCCPS.

  8. Does CRI SP provide housing?

    No. The NIH is unable to provide housing for summer interns. We can offer some information that may help you in finding a place to live. However, any information we provide is just that; it does not constitute advice, nor are we endorsing or approving any companies or services.

    • The Moving Guide prepared by the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education provides housing suggestions along with information on virtually everything you will need to know about moving to Bethesda, Baltimore, or Frederick, MD.
    • Club PCR is a group for young scientists in the Bethesda area. You can use it to find housing, sell items, arrange carpooling, or gather information. This listserv is not associated with the NIH, and you should use an email address other than your NIH email address to subscribe. Please state your name and reason for joining the group when you request membership.

    Getting around via Metro is generally a good choice. It might help you to know as well that the NIH Bethesda is on the Red Line of the D.C. Metro at the Medical Center stop. NCI Shady Grove is near the Red Line Shady Grove stop. There is a free shuttle between the Shady Grove metro stop and NCI Shady Grove.

  9. What are the dates for CRI SP?

    Students selected for the program usually begin work between mid-May and early June. For 2025, summer internships can begin after mid-May and cannot exceed September 1.

  10. Will I be paid as a CRI SP Fellow?

    Yes. CRI SP fellows receive a monthly stipend based on their education level and experience.

    Additional information may be found in the SIP FAQs.