12 Biomedical Engineering Internships for Undergraduates
As a college student, taking part in biomedical engineering internships for undergraduates gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned to practical, hands-on work. They are an essential part of building your career, especially in fields like biomedical engineering, where real-world experience is key.
Biomedical engineering internships for undergraduates also allow you to gain invaluable experience in designing medical devices, working on research projects, and collaborating with professionals. These experiences not only boost your resume when applying to graduate school but also make you more competitive in the job market.
On that note, here are 12 biomedical engineering internships for undergraduates that can help you grow in this exciting industry.
1. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Dates: The spring cohort starts on March 3, 2025
Application Deadline: February 9, 2025, for the spring cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious college students and young professionals
Cost:
- Startup Internship: $2,490
- CEO Internship: $4,400
- Combination Program: $7,400
- Financial aid is available
Ladder Internships is a virtual, selective program that offers college students internships with startups and nonprofits worldwide. These internships cover fields like engineering, technology, AI, finance, sustainability, business, healthcare, and more. During the internship, you'll get to work on real-world projects with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, who will mentor you during your time with the startup. As an intern, you will also receive training in skills like communication and time management, blending academic growth with real-world learning.
At the end of the program, you’ll present your project, highlighting your progress and its impact. You will also receive an official letter of completion from the top-tier company you worked with.
2. Mayo Clinic’s Undergraduate Internships
Location: Multiple locations, namely Jacksonville, Florida, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Rochester, Minnesota
Dates: Dates are posted in the spring and fall, based on research needs and candidate availability; typically 8 week long internship
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed two years of study in engineering fields like electrical, mechanical, software, chemical, or biomedical engineering
Stipend: Approximately $17.75/hour
The Mayo Clinic Division of Engineering internships are more than just a chance to build technical skills—they're about diving deep into the full lifecycle of engineering projects. As an intern, you will get hands-on experience with everything from project initiation to execution.
You will be involved in rigorous testing and troubleshooting, ensuring solutions are practical, and will get to participate in deployment, which will give you the chance to see your work put into action. You’ll also be involved in the project closure phase, where you will learn how successful engineering projects are wrapped up and delivered. This internship is a comprehensive experience that doesn’t just teach you the how of engineering but also the why, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. It’s a hands-on experience with on-the-job training.
You can also take a look at the Biomedical Statistics & Informatics internship, which will give you the chance to participate in the analysis of ongoing research projects conducted at Mayo Clinic. During this internship, you will be able to improve your computer and statistical skills while working under the direction of a lead statistician or lead bioinformatician.
3. Texas Biomedical Research Institute Internship Programs
Location: San Antonia, Texas (remote & hybrid available when necessary)
Dates: June 2, 2025 – July 25, 2025
Application Deadline:
- Primary consideration: February 7, 2025
- Rolling basis: February 28, 2025
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed their first year in a bachelor’s degree or a professional degree in an accredited U.S. university. See more info here
Stipend: Paid
The summer internships at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) and the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) provide paid, hands-on experience in cutting-edge research, primate care, and research support. These programs aim to foster a learning environment that helps you build valuable skills and knowledge. Three summer internship tracks are available for undergraduate and graduate students:
- Texas Biomed Summer Scholars Program: Focused on infectious disease research
- SNPRC Summer Internship Program: Centered on veterinary research and primate care
- Texas Biomed Summer Administration Internship: Supporting research through administrative work
4. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: Multiple locations
Dates: Minimum 8 weeks; typically May to September
Application Deadline: February 19, 2025
Eligibility: Students enrolled at least half-time in an accredited community college, college, or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; at least 18 or older by June 1, 2025,
Stipend: Paid. See here for more info
NIH’s Summer Internship Program (SIP) is for college, graduate, and professional students who are interested in exploring careers in research and healthcare. It offers full-time research positions within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers (IC) in the NIH Intramural Research Program, with research groups located across all NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. Depending on your educational needs and level, you can choose from one of the following cohorts: CCSEP, C-SOAR, V-SOAR, GDSSP, or M-SOAR.
As a summer intern, you'll work in a research group led by a Principal Investigator (PI). You’ll have the chance to explore research in the biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences, including basic, translational, and clinical research. If you’re studying biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, or other health-related fields, we encourage you to apply.
5. Biomedical Engineering Summer Internship Program (BESIP-BME)
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Dates: June 2, 2025 – August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025
Eligibility: Students 18 years old by June 15, 2025, have an average GPA of 3.0 or greater, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. For more specific requirements, see here.
Stipend: Varies. See here for more info
The Biomedical Engineering Summer Internship Program (BESIP), hosted by the BETA Center at NIH, offers you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge biomedical engineering research. As an intern, you will work in NIH laboratories in Bethesda, MD, alongside top scientists and engineers, gaining hands-on experience in the field.
BESIP is available in two tracks: BESIP-BME and BESIP-STEM. The BESIP-BME track is for students working towards a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science, or computer science with no hands-on experience in biomedical engineering research. On the other hand, the BESIP-STEM track is for students interested in pursuing biomedical engineering in graduate school or as a career despite having no STEM or related experience.
6. Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program in Biology
Location: MIT, Massachusetts
Dates: June 1, 2025 – August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: January 30, 2025
Eligibility: Non-MIT students who are full-time undergraduate students at a U.S. university or college; current sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors; a minimum 3.5 GPA in all STEM courses; completed introductory courses in life sciences; prior research experience required
Stipend: Paid opportunity; weekly travel allowance provided
The Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program allows non-MIT undergraduates to gain hands-on experience by working full-time in a laboratory setting while participating in weekly meetings with faculty and academic seminars. These seminars are designed to help you improve your presentation skills and make you a more competitive graduate applicant. The program also gives you insight into applying to graduate school, giving oral presentations, and writing research abstracts.
Many of the fields listed, such as biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cancer biology, cell biology, and computational biology, often intersect with biomedical engineering, especially in areas like medical devices, bioinformatics, and biotechnologies.
7. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)’s Equity Research Program
Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
Dates: June 23, 2025 – August 15, 2025
Application Deadline: January 22, 2025
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who excel academically and come from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. For more info, look at the “Who's eligible to apply?” section of the FAQs.
Stipend: $4,500
The OHSU Equity Research Program offers diverse undergraduate students the chance to spend eight weeks working on research projects with faculty, scientists, and graduate students. The internship tracks include:
- Biomedical Studies
- Dental
- Medicine
- Public Health
The program also provides hands-on research experience to underrepresented students. You can choose from lab placements such as the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Knight Cancer Institute's Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, along with other university tracks.
You'll work alongside OHSU scientists, attend seminars, and present your research at an OHSU poster symposium. Previous interns have studied cell behavior in 3D tissues and worked on assays for early-stage ovarian cancer, among other projects.
8. University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Summer Training and Research (STAR) Program
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
Dates: June – August (tentatively)
Application Deadline: February (tentatively)
Eligibility:
- Interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in the biomedical or behavioral sciences
- Citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
- Enrolled full-time at a 4-year college or university
- Currently a sophomore or junior
- Have not already completed a Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average
- Come from an under-represented minority group, disadvantaged background, and/or have a disability
Stipend: Not mentioned
The University of Maryland School of Public Health offers the Summer Training and Research (STAR) program, a great opportunity for undergraduate students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. Over two consecutive summers, you'll participate in a 10-week research training and career development program. This program is specifically designed to help you pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical and behavioral sciences related to cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.
If you're an undergraduate at any university, you can apply for this program. If you're from the University of Maryland, College Park, you may also be eligible for the UM ADAPT Program, which is similar. Every summer, the program enrolls six to eight new trainees.
9. BME Pathways Summer Research – University of Minnesota
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dates: 2025 dates TBA
Application Deadline: 2025 dates TBA
Eligibility: Undergrads currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university; non-graduating seniors; majoring in engineering, computer science, biology, chemistry, or math; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Stipend: $5,000
If you’re an undergraduate student in STEM from an underrepresented background, the BME Pathways program at the University of Minnesota provides a valuable summer research experience. This program offers the opportunity to conduct biomedical engineering research in a lab setting while developing critical skills that can support your academic and professional growth.
As a participant, you’ll gain hands-on experience working on research projects and learn how to effectively share your findings. The program is designed to help you build a strong foundation in research techniques and communication, making it a beneficial opportunity for students interested in pursuing biomedical engineering.
10. SMART Summer Undergraduate Research Program – University of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Dates: May 27, 2025 – August 3, 2025 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: January 24, 2025
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups in biomedical research; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; have a 3.2 cumulative GPA; see "eligibility" for more.
Stipend: $4,700
The UM-SMART program is a 10-week program that is part of the University of Michigan Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). It focuses on immersing you in biomedical research, offering a glimpse into the physician-scientist career while helping you build valuable skills and knowledge. The program provides you with a focused and enriching summer research experience, where you’ll spend approximately 90% of your time working under the guidance of a faculty mentor in a research laboratory.
Beyond research, you will gain clinical exposure through two half-day physician shadowing experiences and engage in self-paced online MCAT preparation. You’ll also present your research findings during a symposium that features oral and poster presentations alongside peers from other University of Michigan biomedical research programs. You’ll benefit from mentorship through a "Big Sib" advisor currently in the MSTP, enjoy social activities with MSTP fellows, and attend seminars tailored to understanding the MD/PhD application process, career opportunities for physician-scientists, and biomedical sciences. The program also includes a mock interview with a member of the Admissions Committee, ensuring comprehensive professional development.
11. Bioengineering Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BE-SURE) – Princeton University
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Dates: 9 weeks; 2025 Dates TBA
Application Deadline: March (2025 dates TBA)
Eligibility: Princeton and non-Princeton undergraduate first-years, sophomores, and juniors interested in bioengineering or related fields
Stipend: $1,000 research budget + extra expenses
The Princeton Bioengineering Research Program is designed for undergraduate students interested in exploring the connection between engineering and the life sciences. During this program, you’ll work on a research project in a lab and gain valuable experience in communicating your findings. You’ll also get exposure to various career paths in bioengineering, both in academia and industry.
You’ll be part of a cohort of 10 – 20 students, collaborating on bioengineering projects across campus. Along the way, you’ll interact with other students, including the Princeton iGEM team, take part in an industry visit, tour the Princeton Innovation Center Biolabs (PICB), and receive training in scientific communication. At the end, you’ll showcase your work at a poster session.
12. Stanford University’s BioE Research Experience for Undergraduates
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Dates: 10 weeks; June – August
Application Deadline: 2025 dates TBA
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students from Stanford
Stipend: Not mentioned
If you're a Stanford undergraduate, the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in the Bioengineering Department is a great opportunity for you. It runs for 10 weeks during the summer and is a full-time commitment, meaning you’ll be working 40 hours a week. You’ll be paired with a faculty member and work on exciting research projects in the field of bioengineering. Some of the past projects have focused on things like medical devices, bioinformatics, and tissue engineering.
This program is exclusively for Stanford students, and it’s a unique way to dive deep into research while also networking with faculty and peers.
Looking for an immersive remote summer internship experience for college students?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!