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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between MD-PhD and MSTP?
"MD-PhD" and MSTP are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. "MSTP" refers to the Medical Scientist Training Program grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which provides financial support in the form of training slots to the Yale MD-PhD Program. Eligible MD-PhD students (US citizens and permanent residents only) are appointed to the MSTP in the first two years of their training; ineligible students are supported by University and private foundation funding.
What is the financial support for MD-PhD Students?
MD-PhD students receive a stipend as well as full tuition (graduate and medical school) and health benefits for the duration of their time in the program, contingent upon their remaining in good academic standing. The usual duration of training is 7 or 8 years.
Do you participate in the NIH Graduate Partnership Program (GPP)?
As of the 2023-2024 admission cycle, Yale’s MD-PhD Program does not participate in the NIH GPP program.
I am currently enrolled in the Yale School of Medicine. Am I eligible to apply to the MD-PhD Program?

Students who have matriculated at Yale School of Medicine, are in their first two years of study, and are interested in applying to the MD-PhD Program should contact the MD-PhD Program. Such internal applicants must submit a MD-PhD program secondary application by November 15th. If they are interested in joining a non-traditional PhD program they must submit their secondary application by October 15th and complete a PhD program application by November 1st (as described above for “non-traditional” PhD applicants).

Internal candidates must demonstrate a commitment to a research career as a physician-scientist and provide evidence of aptitude and accomplishment in research and scholarship. Most successful internal applicants complete at least a summer (or the equivalent in time) of research with a Yale research mentor prior to applying to the MD-PhD Program.

I am currently enrolled in the Graduate School at Yale. Am I eligible to apply to the MD-PhD Program?

Current PhD students are rarely admitted to the MD-PhD Program and are advised to complete PhD and MD training sequentially. 1st or 2nd year PhD students who do decide to apply must complete all MD requirements (including the MCAT) and submit an AMCAS application and Yale secondary application for the standard deadlines. Applicants are considered alongside all other MD-PhD applicants. Additionally, the applicant’s PhD mentor and Director of Graduate Studies must endorse an interruption of 2 years to the applicant’s PhD studies should the student be admitted to the MD-PhD program. Students who wish to apply should contact the MD-PhD program prior to submitting their application for further guidance.

Do you accept transfer students?
The Yale MD-PhD Program does not accept transfer students.
How can I verify that my application is complete and that my letters of recommendation have been received?

The Application Status page enables applicants to confirm the completeness of their applications. The page gives the dates on which the various components of the application were received and processed by the Admissions Office. Information about interview invitations and final admissions decisions will not appear on this site.

For any status updates please log into the AMP application system.

How will I find out if I am to be interviewed by the Yale MD-PhD Program?
Yale’s MD-PhD Program receives close to 700 applications per year. After the Medical School Admissions Office has processed your application, MD-PhD Program faculty will read your application. We will let you know if you have been selected for interview by early January. Approximately 130 candidates will be interviewed between November and February. The MD-PhD Program matriculates approximately 20 students per year. If you are not invited to interview for the MD-PhD Program, your application will still be considered for admission as a MD-only student.
When will I find out if I am accepted into Yale’s MD-PhD Program?
Yale does not have "rolling admissions." Decisions are made at the conclusion of the interview season and decision letters to all applicants will be mailed by March 15.
When I am offered a position in Yale’s MD-PhD Program, will I have a chance to revisit Yale before making a final decision?
Yale has its “Second Look Weekend” in mid- to late-March.
Is there on-campus housing for MD-PhD students?

Edward S. Harkness Hall, located at 367 Cedar Street at the School of Medicine, houses MSTP and M.D. students, as well as students from the School of Nursing, Public Health, and Physician Associate Programs. Built in 1955, this 200-room brick building consists mostly of identical single rooms that contain a vanity with sink. Additionally, there is one suite per floor consisting of a bedroom, living room, and private bath. Most floors are co-ed; one floor is all male and two floors are all female. There is no limit to the number of years that students may occupy Harkness Dormitory. All dormitory students are required to participate in a meal plan with Dining Services.

The Harkness apartments are located adjacent to the Harkness Dormitory, and are intended primarily for couples without children or singles. Each apartment has a bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchenette. Residents of the apartments are entitled to full use of the dormitory facilities.

The Yale Housing Department maintains a listing service for off-campus housing, as well as a list of roommates who want to share accommodations. This service is available to the Yale community on a self-help basis. Information is not given by telephone. More detailed information may be obtained from the Graduate Housing Department, 155 Whitney Avenue, P.O. Box 4568 Yale Station, New Haven, CT 06520, telephone 203.432.9756.