The National Institutes of Health Oxford–Cambridge Programme is a prestigious collaboration designed to provide participants with cutting-edge education and training in biomedical sciences and healthcare research. This programme offers an unparalleled opportunity for students, researchers, and healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of the latest scientific advancements and their applications in clinical practice. Through a combination of intensive coursework, seminars, and practical sessions, participants engage with leading experts from the University of Cambridge and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gaining insights into innovative research methodologies, biomedical technologies, and therapeutic strategies.

The programme covers a broad spectrum of topics including molecular biology, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, and translational medicine. It emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches necessary for addressing complex health challenges, promoting collaboration across fields such as bioinformatics, epidemiology, and clinical research. Participants benefit from exposure to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, as well as opportunities to participate in ongoing projects and collaborations with top-tier scientists.

Designed to cater to early-career researchers, postgraduate students, and healthcare practitioners, the programme aims to foster leadership skills and a deep understanding of the global health landscape. The curriculum is tailored to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for advancing biomedical research and improving patient care. Additionally, the programme emphasizes ethical considerations and the societal impact of biomedical innovations, encouraging responsible research conduct.

By completing this programme, graduates will be better prepared to contribute to scientific discovery, clinical advancements, and health policy development. Moreover, the international networking opportunities enable participants to establish collaborations that can extend beyond the duration of the course, fostering a global community dedicated to improving health outcomes worldwide. The National Institutes of Health Oxford–Cambridge Programme is committed to excellence in education and research, striving to cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders in biomedical sciences.

There is no formal teaching.

Feedback

Students should expect to receive on-going feedback from all supervisors involved in their research project.  This could take place during one-to-one meetings or during lab meetings.  In addition, students can expect to receive a written on-line report each term. 

Assessment

Thesis

The PhD is examined by dissertation (maximum of 60,000 words) and viva, held in Cambridge.

Other

For the first year, students are probationary;  they will only be registered for the PhD after successfully completing an assessment exercise (report and viva) at the end of their 1st year as a PhD student. 

The funder (NIH) requires an annual report submitted to the NIH directorate.

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Online button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal, where you can create and submit your application, and request references.

An application is only complete when:

1. you have submitted your application via the Applicant Portal and paid the £50 application fee
2. you have uploaded the required supporting documents via the Applicant Self-Service
3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

Application to this programme is through the National Institutes of Health USA.

Successful applicants apply to Cambridge for consideration of departments.

Applicants may also apply to Cambridge in parallel with their NIH application in order to have the opportunity to be considered for Gates or Cambridge Trust funding both of whom offer joint funding with the NIH for this programme.

Selection Process

Applications are considered as part of a gathered field.

Applications open from 1st August to 1st December of each year. Candidates are shortlisted by the NIH and invited to interview in February.

The interview panels are comprised of academics from Cambridge, Oxford and the NIH, as well as programme directors.

Successful candidates then work with the NIH and Cambridge to create a c

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• CV/Resumé
• Personal Reference

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The NIH OxCam programme funds a full 4-year PhD, including University and College fees, stipend, maintenance and insurance.  The funds support 6 terms of research in Cambridge and 6 terms of research at the NIH.

Gates and Cambridge Trust also offer joint funding with the NIH OxCam programme for the full 4 year PhD, providing two years of stipend and University and College fees whilst the student is in Cambridge and the NIH providing two years of stipend, a travel budget and insurance throughout the duration of the PhD.  Wherever possible, eligible applicants for the Gates and Cambridge Trust are expected to apply for this funding - applications will need to be received within the normal funding deadlines and processes.

The National Institutes of Health Oxford — Cambridge Programme is a prestigious collaborative initiative designed to foster advanced biomedical research and education between two world-renowned institutions: the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. This programme aims to promote innovation, collaborative research, and the development of future leaders in health sciences. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates cutting-edge scientific training with practical experience in clinical and biomedical research.

Participants in the programme typically have the opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary research projects, collaborate with leading experts in the field, and access state-of-the-art facilities and resources at both institutions. The programme emphasizes a global perspective on medical research, encouraging students to address pressing health issues through innovative solutions grounded in rigorous scientific methodologies. Students benefit from a vibrant academic environment, specialized training workshops, seminars, and opportunities to present their research findings at international conferences.

The programme often includes coursework tailored to current trends and challenges in health sciences, such as genomics, personalized medicine, infectious diseases, and public health. It promotes skill development in research design, data analysis, grant writing, and scientific communication. Graduates of the programme are equipped to pursue careers in academia, industry, healthcare policy, or biomedical research, contributing to advancements in medical science and healthcare delivery.

The selection process for the programme is highly competitive, seeking candidates with strong academic records, research experience, and a demonstrated commitment to improving health outcomes. Financial support may be available for eligible students, including scholarships and bursaries. Throughout its operation, the National Institutes of Health Oxford — Cambridge Programme has maintained a reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and fostering a collaborative scientific community dedicated to addressing global health challenges.