The USPHS Commissioned Corps Junior (JR) and Senior (SR) Commissioned Officer Student Training Extern Program’s (COSTEP) annual application period is now open. COSTEPs are highly competitive, active-duty uniformed service programs for full-time students pursuing their qualifying degrees. They are limited to 250 complete applications per program.
JRCOSTEP
JRCOSTEPs serve on active duty for 31-120 days during school breaks. Within three months after the date of completion of the JRCOSTEP assignment, applicants must be scheduled to return to college or university as a full-time student; or enter a postgraduate degree program.
Application acceptance period is July 1– September 15, 2025.
JRCOSTEP applications will be accepted now for active-duty assignments the following year. Please refer applicants to the following resources before they apply: JRCOSTEP policy, CCMIS JRCOSTEP FAQs, and JRCOSTEP FAQs.
SRCOSTEP
SRCOSTEPs serve on active duty while attending their final year of academic study and incur a service obligation equal to twice the time sponsored upon graduation. Please refer applicants to the following resources before they apply: SRCOSTEP policy, CCMIS SRCOSTEP FAQs, and SRCOSTEP FAQs.
SRCOSTEP applications will be accepted for students who are graduating in 2027 or early 2028.
Application acceptance period is July 1– September 15, 2025.
As of June 1, 2022, SRCOSTEP participants are also subject to the Commissioned Service Obligation upon graduation. Please review the CSO CCMIS FAQs.
Any additional questions regarding the current COSTEP open application period can be submitted to PHSCostep@hhs.gov.