Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with 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 doctoral and postdoctoral trainees pursuing dual-degree programs (typically MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, DVM/PhD, or similar combinations) at institutions with NIH-funded institutional predoctoral training programs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents enrolled full-time in an accredited dual-degree training program. The fellowship supports advanced training in research methodology and biomedical sciences across all NIH mission areas. Eligible institutions must have existing NIH predoctoral training support. Geographic scope is nationwide, including U.S. territories. Applicants typically should have identified a research mentor and institutional sponsorship before applying.
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Program description
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will support students at institutions with 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 Notice of Funding Opportunity (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 (R&R) or equivalent federal application form
- Project narrative/research plan (typically 6-12 pages including specific aims, background, methods, and career development plan)
- Mentor's biographical sketch and detailed letters of support
- Training plan and educational objectives aligned with dual-degree program
- Institutional commitment letter confirming sponsorship and research support
- Applicant curriculum vitae and academic transcripts
- Budget and budget justification (if applicable to fellowship tier)
- Biosketch of applicant
- Letters of reference from faculty and/or mentors
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.837 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$238,898,122
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$137,304,316
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$117,298,604
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$100,148,361
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$90,428,339
-
$88,304,328
-
$83,989,552
-
$83,865,426
-
$64,483,725
-
$64,342,479
Top States by Funding
- MD 6 awards $470.1M
- NY 9 awards $442.1M
- MA 4 awards $301.0M
- CA 6 awards $201.9M
- WI 3 awards $147.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.837). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,654,455,334 | |
| 2025 | $1,690,039,433 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for an NRSA F30 fellowship?
Doctoral and postdoctoral trainees pursuing accredited dual-degree programs (MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, DVM/PhD, etc.) at NIH-funded institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents and demonstrate commitment to a research career.
What is the application deadline and timeline?
The fixed application deadline is May 7, 2028, with applications opening June 12, 2025. This allows several months for preparation. Consult NIH's NRSA funding announcement for any specific receipt dates.
What research activities and career development are supported?
The fellowship supports doctoral training in research methods, biomedical sciences, and specialized training during the dual-degree program. It emphasizes development of independent research capability across all NIH scientific areas.
How competitive is this grant and what is the typical funding range?
This is a highly competitive federal program. NRSA fellowships typically provide annual stipends plus institutional allowances. Exact amounts vary by training year and cost-of-living adjustments. Expect strong emphasis on research potential and mentor qualifications.
What does my institution need to do to sponsor my application?
Your institution must hold an active NIH predoctoral training grant (T32) or equivalent institutional training support. An institutional liaison and research mentor commitment are typically required components of the application.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Secure commitment from a strong research mentor with active NIH funding before you apply. The mentor's track record and direct involvement in your research plan are critical review criteria.
- Develop a clear, focused research proposal that demonstrates innovation and feasibility within the dual-degree timeline. Reviewers want to see how your training integrates both degree components.
- Build your application around a compelling research narrative. Show how your background and dual-degree path position you for an independent research career.
- Engage your institution's research administration office early. Confirm that your institution has active institutional predoctoral training support and understand all pre-submission requirements.
- Allow substantial time for mentor feedback and institutional review. Federal grant applications require institutional sign-off, and iteration with your mentor strengthens competitiveness significantly.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because the research plan lacks sufficient innovation or independence, appearing too incremental or overly dependent on the mentor. Another common issue is weak institutional commitment or working with mentors who lack sufficient research funding and track record. Additionally, applicants sometimes underestimate the dual-degree integration requirement—reviewers expect to see how both degree components strengthen the research training and career trajectory.
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