Immunology Research Summer Program (IRSP)

1. What is the purpose of the Immunology Research Summer Program (IRSP)?

This 10-week program provides outstanding undergraduate students with immersive, hands-on training and mentorship in areas of immunology, immunobiology and immunooncology.

2. What will IRSP interns do?

IRSP interns will develop research skills by focusing on important basic immunology research questions in cutting-edge laboratories. Each intern will have an independent project and will work with an assigned lab faculty/mentor. In addition to working in the lab, interns will attend journal clubs and scientific and professional development seminars. At the end of the 10-week program, the IRSP interns will present a poster on their project.

3. Is the summer program limited to specific majors?

Those who have completed college-level biology and chemistry courses, have some hands-on experience with lab work and have an interest in studying immunology, immunobiology and immunooncology questions are invited to apply to the IRSP. We are most interested in those who would like to pursue graduate work in biomedical sciences.

4. Where is the internship located?

Interns will be hosted onsite in one of the MSK faculty laboratories located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

5. Is this a paid internship?

Yes, interns will receive a stipend of $6,500 for the summer paid on a bi-weekly basis.

6. How many slots are available for this program?

The program enrolls no more than 6 interns per summer.

7. Is summer housing provided?

Yes, summer (dormitory) housing is provided for free to any who need it. Interns will be paired in groups of 4 per room and by gender. Upon acceptance into this program or another affiliated summer undergraduate program with similar dates of engagement (CBSP, ChBSP, EISP), assignments to shared units will be made based on legal sex indicated in the application to the summer program. Students who prefer gender neutral housing regardless of legal sex, gender identity, expression and/or orientation can be considered for placement in the same suite as other residents selecting gender-neutral housing and can request to be assigned with others who match their gender identity. Students who want to be considered for gender neutral housing should contact the program after acceptance at sciencesummer@mskcc.org . If you are accepted into the program and require an accommodation that requires a variation from the standard housing practice noted above, a process will be outlined for providing documentation.

8. What amenities are included in housing?

The assigned space consists of a twin-size bed, a dresser, a desk, and closet space. All apartment suites have two bedrooms, each suite has a kitchenette which contains a microwave, electric stove-top burners, sink, cabinets, a large refrigerator and private bathroom (Utilities and Wi-Fi included). Dishes, utensils and cooking supplies are not provided, but we will lend a plate, bowl, mug, and cutlery to you for the summer. (Utilities and Wi-Fi included)

9. Does the program cover travel costs?

No, the program does not cover travel costs.

1. Do I need to be enrolled in school?

Yes-eligible applicants must be an active enrolled undergraduate rising juniors or seniors and enrolled in an US accredited college or University. We cannot enroll those who have graduated from university, only those who are active undergraduate students.

2. Is there a minimum GPA to participate in this program?

Participants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

3. Can I apply if I am not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States?

Yes, with caveats. The program accepts applications from non-US citizens enrolled in an US accredited college or university, but those accepted into the internship will be required to provide evidence of their eligibility to work in the US in order to participate in the program.

You are eligible to apply if you have a student visa (only F-1 or J-1 student visas are acceptable.  OPT or CPT.)  Student Visas (F-1 and J-1) are provided by the student’s school. The program is not responsible to obtain the OPT or CPT status- the accepted intern will bear this responsibility.

4. Does the program sponsor visas?

No, the program does not sponsor visas. The intern is responsible for obtaining a student visa.

5. Do I need lab experience to be accepted into the program?

Lab experience is not required but most interns to date have had some laboratory experience/exposure. If you have had previous lab experience, please note it on your application.

6. I will be graduating from college in the Spring, am I eligible to participate?

Individuals who are graduating are not eligible to participate in the program, as you need to be an active/enrolled undergraduate student in order to be eligible.

7. I have a bachelor’s degree, but pursuing a second bachelor’s, can I apply?

Yes, if you are an active student pursuing a bachelor’s degree you can apply, even if it is your second bachelor’s degree.  You cannot apply to the program if you are pursuing a master’s degree or have completed a master’s degree.

1. When and where should I apply?

Any time after the application site becomes available in early November.  You can apply directly at https://admissions.mskcc.org/portal/apply-at-mskcc.

2. Can I apply for more than one summer program?

Yes, you can apply to up to two summer programs at MSK; admissions committees are separate, but the same offices screen all applications before consideration by admissions committees.

3. Is there a deadline for submission of applications?

Yes, the application deadline is February 2, 2026.

4. Can you provide any advice on how to write a good application?

Typically, good applications explicit highlights the candidate’s experiences that make them a good fit for the program. You might wish to read “Three steps to landing an undergraduate research internship.”

5. Can I update my application from last year?

You will need to reapply and request new letters from your recommenders.

6. I have registered, but now can’t log in, can you help?

If you see “Application with this email address is not found”, it is likely that you are logging in with an email that is different from the one we have on record. If you have more than one email address, first please make sure you are logging in using the same address you used to register. Applicants with two accounts risk having application documents logged in two different places and risk the application not marked as complete. Email sciencesummer@mskcc.org for additional help.

7. I forgot my password, how can I reset it?

Log into https://admissions.mskcc.org/portal/apply-at-mskcc, click on sign in, and the click on “forgot your password” link to reset your password.

8. I’m having issues saving my applications or the application system is running slow, how do I fix this?

Some of these issues can be solved by switching browsers (chrome, Firefox), clearing your browser cache and disabling your pop-up blockers. If you are still encountering issues, please contact us immediately at sciencesummer@mskcc.org.

9. Is an official transcript necessary for my application?

No, only those accepted into the internship will need to submit an official transcript after acceptance. You are, however, required to upload an unofficial transcript (s) directly into the application system.  Please note, for every school you enter in the application, you must provide an unofficial transcript. If we see discrepancies between your unofficial and official transcripts, the program may rescind acceptance.

10. What are the requirements for the personal statement?

Your personal statement should not exceed 3,000 characters (including spaces). The personal statement should describe your undergraduate experience, academic and professional plans, and reasons for wishing to participate in the program, include anything else you consider important for a judgment of your abilities (including articles, theses, books, other published materials, patented inventions, academic honors, prizes, etc.). PLEASE make sure to address this particular program.

11. In addition to the application form, personal statement and unofficial transcript, what other documents do I need to submit?

You will also need a (minimum) of two recommendations written by those who are familiar with your academic progress and research, and their credentials (names, department, email).  After you enter your recommenders’ email addresses and save the section, the system will prompt an email to the recommender to submit the letter of recommendation directly to the application system.  Please note recommendations from family members or friends are not appropriate.

12. Can I submit more than the required two letters of recommendation?

Yes, the online application system will accept more than two recommendation letters.  However, please note that if you list more than two letters of applications and one letter is missing the system will mark your application as incomplete.  It is important to follow up with all recommenders.

13. Can I change my recommender(s) after I have submitted my application?

You can change a recommender only if you have not submitted your application. After the application has been submitted, you cannot make any changes.  If you replace an existing recommender, please notify the recommender that you will no longer require a letter.  If you have any issues, please email sciencesummer@mskcc.org.

14. If I change a recommender, will my original recommender be notified?

It is your responsibility to inform your original recommender that a letter will no longer be required.

15. What should I do if my recommenders have not received a request for a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

There are a few reasons that your recommender may not have received the system-generated email request for a letter of recommendation.  If you did not submit your application, you should:

• Log on to the application system and check to ensure that the email address you have entered is accurate, then resend the request for a letter.
• Ask your recommender to check their SPAM or Junk folder.

If the email message is still not received after attempts listed above and you suspect there is a technical problem, please email sciencesummer@mskcc.org. If you submitted your application, please email sciencesummer@mskcc.org to investigate the issue.

16. Who ensures that letters of recommendation are received?

It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive your letters of recommendation and your responsibility to inform your recommender. You should check to make sure your recommenders have received our email requesting a letter.  If the recommender is having issues uploading the letter, please have them email the letters directly to us in PDF format at sciencesummer@mskcc.org.

17. Is there a deadline for receipt of my recommendation letters?

All letters must be received by February 5, 2026.

18. Can I submit my application before the letters of recommendation are received?

Yes, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as you have completed it. You do not need to wait for your recommenders to submit their letters in order to submit your application.

19. After I submit the application, can I make changes to my application?

No, after you have submitted an application, you cannot make any changes.  If you have any issues or questions, please contact us at sciencesummer@mskcc.org.

20. How will I know if my application is complete?

You must complete your application by Feb 2nd, 2026 (8:00 a.m., EST). Applications that are incomplete after the Feb 2nd deadline will not receive further consideration.

21. When can I expect to hear about the status of my application?

Decision letters are emailed no later than by March 15^th, everyone who applied will be informed via e-mail.