Below is a list of known, active NIH and non-NIH supported PREPs. Active status is subject to change, so please check the status of the PREP before applying.
Brown Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)
- Limited to US citizens or permanent residents
- No more than 36 months since completion of four-year degree
- Must apply to PhD graduate programs while in PREP
- Program runs from June 1st through May 31st
- Accepting applications for 2026-2027 cohort on a rolling basis (contrary to what their website states)
- Apply here
Duke University PRIME-PREP
- Limited to US citizens or permanent residents
- No more than 36 months since completion of four-year degree
- Must apply to PhD graduate programs while in PREP
- Applications due February 13, 2026
PREP@UCSF
- Limited to US citizens or permanent residents
- No more than 36 months since completion of four-year degree
- Must apply to PhD graduate programs while in PREP
- Program starts June 2026
- Due February 2nd
PROPEL UCSF
- Limited to US citizens or permanent residents
- Must be working as a full-time research assistant or analyst
- Must apply to PhD graduate programs while in PREP
- UCSF-specific program
- National program includes non-UCSF partnering institutions
- Applications due March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, and December 1st
University of Louisville (UL) – DRIVE
- Must have or be completing a four-year degree
- MS graduates eligible
- Must be hired as a full-time research technician
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis
UMass Chan Medical School PREP
- Limited to US citizens or permanent residents
- No more than 36 months since completion of four-year degree
- Must apply to PhD graduate programs while in PREP
- Program runs from July to June
- Applications due February 28, 2026
WashU Medicine Postbaccalaureate Program in Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, & Regenerative Medicine
- Limited to US citizens or permanent residents
- No more than 36 months since completion of four-year degree
- Must apply to PhD graduate programs while in PREP
- Program starts August 27, 2026
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis until class is full