Those majoring in mathematical or biological sciences are best suited for the program and are encouraged to apply.

Rising sophomore, junior and senior undergraduates and beginning graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply for the Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics. Priority admission will be given to disadvantaged students and to those from small liberal arts colleges which do not offer substantial coursework in statistics or biostatistics.

College graduates who have not been accepted to a graduate program are eligible to apply.  African Americans, Alaska Natives, Hispanic, Latino, Native Hawaiians, Native Americans, other Pacific Islanders, and also disadvantaged students are encouraged to apply.

All applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.2.

Anticipated enrollment for the 2025 ISIB program is 18 students.