The NIH F31 supports promising PhD (or equivalent) students with individualized, mentored research training in health-related fields aligned with participating NIH Institutes and Centers. Designed to build rigorous research skills and accelerate career development, this fellowship strengthens candidates’ readiness to transition to the next stage of a biomedical research career. Independent clinical trials are not allowed, but mentored clinical-trial research experience with a sponsor is permitted.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Candidate is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident.
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Currently enrolled in a PhD or equivalent research degree (e.g., EngD, DrPH, DSW, PharmD-research, ScD) in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences.
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Must identify a primary sponsor; sponsor team allowed with one designated primary sponsor.
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Full-time research training effort required (per institutional policy).
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Applicant organizations may be domestic or foreign; NIH Intramural and other Federal labs are eligible training environments.
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Foreign training/components allowed with strong scientific justification.
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Multiple PDs/PIs not allowed (single PD/PI only).
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Must have eRA Commons and ORCID IDs (candidate and sponsors).
Funding Details:
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Award budget includes stipend, tuition and fees, and an institutional allowance at current NIH NRSA levels.
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No separate indirect costs; institutional allowance covers administrative needs.
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Support limit: up to 5 years of aggregate predoctoral NRSA support (up to 6 years total if part of dual-degree path across NRSA mechanisms), and counts toward the NRSA aggregate cap.
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NIH intramural fellows supported by intramural funds of the hosting IC.
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Pre-award costs generally not allowable for fellowships.
Deadline:
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Standard cycles: December 08, 2025; April 08, 2026; August 08, 2026; December 08, 2026; April 08, 2027; August 08, 2027; December 08, 2027; April 08, 2028 (all 5:00 PM local time).
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Scientific merit reviews follow standard NIH cycles; earliest start dates align with Council rounds (April/July/December depending on cycle).
Where to go for further information:
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For submission help: eRA Service Desk; [email protected].