USP Winter Schools 2026

UMCG has a longstanding partnership with USP, including a double degree PhD program and numerous research collaborations.

As part of this collaboration, the GSMS annually offers scholarships to a selected number of UMCG medical students with a demonstrable interest in research (for example, students enrolled in the Junior Scientific Masterclass or an MD-PhD program) to attend the USP Winter Schools.

In 2026, the Winter Schools will cover the following topics:

• Acute Cara and Trauma Surgery
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Dermatology
• Rheumatic Autoimmune Diseases
• Neglected Tropical Diseases and Emerging Viral Infections
• Neuroclerkship: Mastering the Neurological Exam Through Real Patients
• Orthopedics, Traumatology & Sports Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine
• Plastic Surgery
• Cardiology/Pneumology
• Psychiatric Interview
• The Ageing Process: Biological & Social Aspects

Consult this brochure and the USP website for more detailed information.

How to apply?

UMCG application

Medical students must complete the online application form. In the form, you will be asked to provide:

• The USP Winter School you wish to attend and why you selected it
• Why you are a strong candidate for a USP Winter School travel grant
• Your affinity for and/or experience with research

In addition, to complete your application you must send the following documents separately by email and send these to Prof. Han Moshage.

• List of grades (Bachelor and/or Master in Medicine)
• Copy of passport

The online application form must be completed and all required documents must be submitted no later than 22 March 2026. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

USP application

Applicants must submit a separate application to USP, in accordance with the instructions provided on the USP Winter School website.

The deadline to submit your application to USP is 31 March 2026.

Important: Applicants are strongly advised to prepare and submit their applications to UMCG and USP simultaneously. Failure to meet either deadline will result in the application being considered ineligible.

Selection Procedure

The selection procedure consists of two independent steps, carried out by UMCG and USP.

UMCG selection
The UMCG selection is conducted by the Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS). Selection criteria include:

• Proven affinity with and experience in research
• Motivation to attend the Winter School
• Academic performance
• Any other criteria deemed relevant by GSMS

USP selection
The USP selection is an internal procedure at USP. Applicants are responsible for carefully reviewing the information on the USP website and ensuring that they meet all registration and eligibility requirements.

Please note that selection by UMCG does not automatically result in selection by USP.

Applicants are strongly advised to prepare and submit their applications to UMCG and USP simultaneously. Failure to meet either deadline will result in the application being considered ineligible.

Travel Grant & Costs

The Graduate School offers five travel grants of up to EUR 1,000 each to contribute toward economy-class, round-trip travel to and from Brazil.

USP covers:

• Registration fees for the Winter School
• Housing during the School

Participants are responsible for any additional costs, such as meals, local transportation, or extended stays.

Receiving the travel grant is conditional upon full participation in the Winter School for which you are selected and compliance with all academic and attendance requirements set by USP.

The GSMS travel grant allows for flexible travel arrangements. This means you may extend your stay at USP or travel to other locations in Brazil at your own expense

Special 2026 Edition

The 2026 USP Winter Schools mark the 10-year anniversary of the program. For this special edition, the registration fee is USD 150 instead of USD 1000 (housing not included).

Applicants who are not selected for GSMS financial support but are admitted by USP may still participate in the Winter School using their own funding.