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Shape our Future. Become a Vivien Thomas Scholar.

Learn how to start your journey as a future leader in STEM with a fully funded doctorate from the Johns Hopkins University.

Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative

Inspired by the legacy of Dr. Thomas, the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) is dedicated to nurturing, mentoring, and connecting diverse talent at historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions to STEM. At Johns Hopkins University, you are empowered to share your unique experiences and grow in discovery on your path to becoming a leader in your field.

As a Vivien Thomas Scholar, you will benefit from:

Research Training

Learn with the world’s leading scholars and scientists at the nation’s first research university.

Mentorship

Thrive personally and professionally during your graduate journey and beyond, with guidance and support from excellent mentors.

Community

Join other Hopkins students and scholars whose diverse histories and life journeys bring exceptional community and richness to the Hopkins space.

Benefits

Discover the benefits VTSI offers: among them, full tuition, a robust stipend, health insurance, and a waiver of the PhD application fee.      

Choose from over 30 exceptional Hopkins STEM PhD programs

Click on a school of interest to see their VTSI eligible programs.

Things to know before applying 

From eligibility to deadlines, click on the topics below to learn what you need to know before starting your application.

Eligibility

Before starting your application, it’s important to check your eligibility. 

Before starting 

Applicants must indicate interest in the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative when applying to the JHU PhD program. 

There are two deadlines to keep in mind:

  • November 15: If interested in the Bloomberg School of Public Health, contact their PhD program office by November 15.
    For application fee waivers, VTSI applicants should contact the individual Bloomberg School of Public Health PhD program office before November 15 and prior to submission of your SOPHAS application. 
  • December 1: VTSI supplemental application  
    To be considered for the VTSI, you must complete and submit all components of the individual PhD program application and the VTSI supplemental components by December 1, 2022.  

Checklist

Are you ready to submit your application? Review this checklist first before you submit. 

  • Review the VTSI supplemental questions and prepare responses.  
  • Submit your completed JHU PhD application, which will include all VTSI supplemental materials. 
  • Ensure your letters of recommendation are submitted.  
  • All VTSI applicants will receive a waiver of the JHU application program fee. Fee waivers will be granted through the program application portal. 

To be considered for the VTSI, you must complete and submit all components of the individual PhD program application by the December 1 deadline. This includes the VTSI supplemental components and all supporting materials including letters of recommendation.  

Ready to start your journey as a future leader in STEM?

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