Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions Without NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for predoctoral students pursuing dual-degree programs (e.g., MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, DVM/PhD) at U.S. institutions that lack an existing NIH-funded institutional predoctoral training program. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted into an accredited dual-degree program and committed to a research-intensive career. Citizens, nationals, and permanent residents of the U.S. are eligible. The award supports training, stipend, and research costs to prepare students for careers in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research. Institutions must be academic centers with capacity to provide mentoring and research support. This fellowship is designed to strengthen the research training pipeline at institutions building research infrastructure.
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Program description
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will support students at institutions without NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training programs. The purpose of the Kirschstein-NRSA, dual-doctoral degree, predoctoral fellowship (F30) is to enhance the integrated research and clinical training of promising predoctoral students, who are matriculated in a combined MD/PhD or other dual-doctoral degree training program (e.g. DO/PhD, DDS/PhD, AuD/PhD, DVM/PhD), and who intend careers as physician/clinician-scientists. Candidates must propose an integrated research and clinical training plan and a dissertation research project in scientific health-related fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. The fellowship experience is expected to clearly enhance the individual’s potential to develop into a productive, independent physician/clinician-scientist.
This NOFO is designed specifically for candidates proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial, but does allow candidates to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by a sponsor or co-sponsor.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NIH Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (specific aims, research strategy, and training plan, typically 6-10 pages)
- Biographical Sketch (NIH format, CV-like document for applicant and mentor)
- Budget and Budget Justification (detailed research and training costs)
- Mentorship plan and mentor biosketch
- Letters of Support from the doctoral advisor and institution
- Institutional commitment letter confirming lack of existing NIH T32 in the discipline
- Personal statement on research career goals
- Official transcripts (if required by institution)
- Verification of dual-degree program enrollment status
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.398 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$23,853,515
-
$22,820,040
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$17,454,036
-
$15,407,472
-
$14,832,927
-
$14,410,208
-
$14,234,718
-
$14,219,981
-
$13,766,537
-
$13,734,930
Top States by Funding
- CA 14 awards $114.6M
- MA 10 awards $104.9M
- TX 9 awards $102.7M
- NY 9 awards $65.8M
- NC 6 awards $62.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.398). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $228,173,992 | |
| 2025 | $213,201,522 | |
| 2026 est. | $135,455,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this NRSA Individual Fellowship?
Predoctoral students enrolled in or accepted into a dual-degree program (MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, DVM/PhD, etc.) at a U.S. institution without an existing NIH-funded institutional predoctoral training program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.
What is the application deadline and when does it open?
Applications open on June 12, 2025, with a fixed deadline of May 7, 2028. Check NIH's Grants.gov website for specific submission deadlines within that window, as NIH typically has multiple submission dates per year.
What research areas and activities are supported?
This award supports research training in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and related sciences. The fellowship covers mentored research, coursework, and professional development to prepare candidates for independent research careers in NIH-mission areas.
How competitive is this program and what's the typical funding range?
NRSA fellowships are competitive. Typical awards provide stipend support (adjusted annually), reasonable research allowance, and tuition costs. The specific amount varies based on institution and prior training level; check NIH notices for current year stipend levels.
What makes my institution eligible?
Your institution must lack a current, active NIH-funded institutional predoctoral training program (T32). If your school has such a program, you would need to apply through that instead. Verify with your grants office or NIH program officer.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Secure a strong mentor early. The quality and commitment of your doctoral research advisor is critical; NIH reviewers assess the mentor's track record, funding, and ability to guide independent research. Choose someone with active NIH funding if possible.
- Align your research proposal with NIH priorities. Review NIH strategic plans and funding opportunities in your field; frame your project as addressing an important health-related research question. Vague or unfocused proposals rarely succeed.
- Highlight your commitment to research independence. Reviewers want evidence that you plan a research career, not just earning a degree. Discuss your research interests, long-term goals, and how the fellowship enables your transition to independent scientist.
- Document why your institution lacks institutional funding. Clearly explain that your school does not have an NIH T32 training grant in your area, making you eligible for this individual award. This institutional verification is essential.
- Build a strong mentorship plan with clear milestones. Outline specific training activities, research phases, career development goals, and how your mentor will support your progress. Generic plans weaken competitiveness.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants often underestimate the importance of prior research experience and publications; even predoctoral fellows should demonstrate substantial research engagement and intellectual contributions. Many proposals lack a clear, focused research aim with measurable objectives, instead presenting unfocused exploratory ideas that reviewers view as unfeasible within the fellowship period. Additionally, applications that do not clearly establish that the applicant's institution lacks an NIH-funded institutional predoctoral program (or that apply from institutions with existing T32 grants) are often administratively rejected or unfunded.
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