Short answer
If you have substantial research experience and strong recommendations, apply straight to PhD programs, which usually fund students fully. If you need more experience, a one- or two-year paid postbac research position is the most common bridge. Master's degrees can help but often cost money. MD/PhD suits people who want both clinical and research careers and is usually funded through MSTP programs.
Which path fits me?
Pick the path that gives you the research experience you still need at the lowest cost: straight to a PhD if you're ready, a paid postbac position if you need more lab time, MD/PhD if you want clinical and research careers together. The program finder shows which funded program types exist at each stage.
| Path | Typical length | Usually paid? | Good if you... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate research program | Summers or 2–3 years | Often | Are still in college and want sustained lab time |
| Straight to PhD | 5–6 years | Yes: stipend and tuition | Have solid research experience and strong letters |
| Postbac research position | 1–2 years | Yes: salary | Need more experience or a clearer direction |
| Research master's | 1–2 years | Often not | Want coursework plus research, or a field change |
| MD/PhD | 7–9 years | Usually, in MSTP programs | Want to combine clinical work and research |
What changed for students in 2025–2026?
Several programs students relied on were cut in 2025, including PREP for postbacs and MARC and U-RISE for undergraduates. As of November 2026 NIGMS lists BURT for undergraduate research training at institutions under $50 million a year in NIH research project grants. Postbac options now come mainly from NIH's own intramural programs, research technician jobs and institution-funded programs.
How do I compare postbac options?
Ask each program:
- Who is my mentor, and what have their past postbacs gone on to do?
- Is there protected time for graduate applications, courses or seminars?
- Will I have a project of my own that could lead to a poster or paper?
- What's the salary and does it include benefits?
- Is there a cohort or are you the only one?
A technician job with a supportive mentor and your own project can be as good as a formal program.
What about funding once I'm in a PhD?
Your program may appoint you to a predoctoral T32 slot in your early years. Later you can apply for an F31 fellowship with your mentor. If you're not a US citizen or permanent resident, the eligibility quick-check shows which awards are open to you.
Questions people ask
Do I need a postbac year before a PhD?
No. Many students go straight from a bachelor's degree. A postbac year helps if your research experience is limited, your interests changed late, or you want to strengthen your application with a full-time lab role.
Are biomedical PhD programs free?
Most US biomedical PhD programs cover tuition and pay a stipend through a mix of training grants, research grants, teaching and institutional funds. Ask each program how students are funded in each year.
Can international students get NIH training grant support?
NRSA training grants (T32, T34) and F30, F31 and F32 fellowships are limited to US citizens, noncitizen nationals and permanent residents. International students are usually funded through research assistantships, teaching or institutional fellowships instead.