Jul 8, 2025, 15:45

Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)

The NIH Kirschstein–NRSA F31 fellowship funds mentored predoctoral research training—supporting promising PhD students (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) to conduct dissertation research in health-related fields and develop into independent investigators.

Eligibility Criteria

Citizenship & Enrollment: U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent research doctoral) program at a domestic or eligible foreign institution.
Career Stage: Predoctoral trainee yet to obtain the doctoral degree.
Institutional: Home institution must be eligible for NIH training grants (see specific FOA for participating ICs).

Funding Details

Instrument: Grant (TR—Training, Individual).
Category: Research Training & Career Development.
Duration: Up to 5 years (award period typically matches time to degree).
Support:
- Stipend: NRSA stipend levels set by NIH.
- Tuition & Fees: Institutional allowance for tuition and related fees.
- Training-Related Expenses: Up to $5,000 per year for equipment, travel, and other research costs.
Mentorship: Requires at least three reference letters and a detailed Training Plan with approved mentors.

Deadlines & Process

Standard Due Dates (annual):

New & Resubmission: April 8, August 8, December 8 by 5:00 PM local time.
Review Cycle: Scientific Merit Review June–July, October–November, February–March; Advisory Council August/October, January/April; Earliest Start Dates September/December, April/July.

Applicants must register and submit via eRA Commons and Grants.gov following the F31 Parent Announcement instructions.

Where to Apply & Further Information

FOA & Instructions: (search “F31 Parent Announcement”)
Apply via:
- Grants.gov (Funding Opportunity Portal)
- eRA Commons (Institutional Signing Official submits)
Contacts: Consult your institution’s sponsored programs office and NIH staff listed in the FOA.