Eligibility & Application

Are you interested in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, and Neuroscience, including Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience?

If so, please apply directly to MSRP Biology/BCS.

MSRP General Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have a minimum 3.5 overall or major GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at a US institution of higher education located in the US or its territories (excluding MIT).
• Be a sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior with at least two academic years of college coursework completed (excluding college credit earned during high school or its equivalent). Students should not be graduating prior to December 2026.
  • Note: First-year students from select undergraduate institutions may be eligible to apply through the Leadership Alliance’s James H. Wyche First Year Research Program (FYRE). Learn more about FYRE eligibility here.
• Have an interest in pursuing a graduate degree in one of MIT’s graduate programs, Sloan professional programs not included (MBA, EMBA, LGO, etc).
• Have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in academic research and/or teaching.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, non-U.S. citizen with DACA, or international student with appropriate visa and work authorizations.

In an effort to attract applicants from a variety of life experiences, the following students are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Students whose academic interests and career goals align with disciplines where access to research experiences may be limited due to structural, institutional, or resource-related barriers.
• Students from non-traditional educational pathways, including those who have attended schools in rural, urban, or under-resourced communities, or institutions with lower rates of graduate school matriculation.
• Students who have demonstrated strong academic potential by overcoming barriers such as economic, social, or educational disadvantage. This may include experiences related to financial aid eligibility, first-generation college status, or limited access to academic resources.
• Students whose life experiences and educational backgrounds reflect a deep understanding of the structural and systemic challenges that impact access to higher education and research careers, and who show promise in contributing to a more inclusive academic environment.
• Students demonstrating leadership experience advancing belonging, achievement, and composition.
• Students with research interests focusing on underserved populations and understanding issues of inequalities.

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The Office of Graduate Education, GradDiversity staff strongly encourages students to expand their options by applying to multiple programs. The Pathways to Science database provides a list of over 1000 opportunities for US Citizens and non-US Citizens at every level of education (k-12, undergrad, grad, & faculty).

Program Dates	June 8 – August 8, 2026
Application Opens	September 26, 2025
Application Deadline	January 20, 2026

Important Notes

1. MSRP General does not accept applications for the following MIT departments who host their own summer programs.
   • Biology: MSRP Biology/BCS
   • Brain & Cognitive Sciences: MSRP Biology/BCS
2. MSRP General strongly encourages applicants to apply to more than one summer program. Learn about research experiences for undergraduates at MIT and beyond. Learn more about additional summer opportunities at MIT and beyond at the Institute for Broadening Participation, Pathways to Science.

Please also review our FAQ page for more program information.