Learn more about our admissions and eligibility below.
Applicants should meet the minimum eligibility criteria listed here.
International students who have completed at least three years of full-time study (undergraduate, graduate and/or post-baccalaureate) at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university may apply. International students receive the same financial support as all other MSTP students. Current Feinberg MD students should contact MSTP Admissions for application information.
Individuals who have completed an MD or PhD and current PhD students are not eligible for admission.
At Northwestern University we value and celebrate diversity. Please see our Policy of Non-Discrimination and Disabilities Statement.
Northwestern MSTP only accepts applications through AMCAS, and you are strongly encouraged to complete your application (AMCAS, supplemental and letters of recommendation) as early as possible, as we invite candidates to interview on a rolling basis. Your invitation to complete a secondary application may only be sent once you are AMCAS verified (which can take up to eight weeks).
You may only apply to the MSTP or the MD program, but not both simultaneously. If you apply to the MSTP and wish to have your application transferred for MD-only consideration, notify MSTP Admissions in writing before Dec. 1. MSTP applications are not automatically transferred for MD-only consideration.
On the American Medical College Application Service website, choose "Northwestern MD-PhD Program (MSTP)." Answer the two MD-PhD-specific questions. Submit your application plus official transcripts to AMCAS. Your invitation to complete the MSTP Secondary Application may only be sent once your AMCAS application has been verified, which may take up to eight weeks.
Your application must be complete (AMCAS, MSTP Secondary Application and minimum of three letters of recommendation) to be considered for MSTP admission. Request a minimum of three letters of recommendation to be sent as early as possible to the AMCAS letter service. These letters may be included within a committee letter or composite letter or be submitted individually. Applications will not be considered for interview prior to “complete” status. There is no maximum number of recommendation letters that may be submitted.
Applications are reviewed, and interview invitations are sent by email on a rolling basis starting in late August/early September and may continue as late as January. Interviews are held once per month, September through January. During interviews, applicants meet with Northwestern MSTP leadership, faculty and current students. All interviews will be conducted virtually for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.
Admission will be offered on a rolling basis from October 2023 through May 2024.
Second Look programming includes a variety of social and academic events and will be held in person in early April 2024. Accepted applicants are invited to visit the Northwestern MSTP to learn more about our program, meet current students, explore the city of Chicago, and meet with potential thesis advisers.
You must accept your MSTP admission by May 1, 2024. After May 1, you may only hold an offer of admission at one institution.