NIH Graduate Partnerships Program 2026: Funded Doctoral Research Opportunities for PhD Students in the U.S. and Abroad
NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) offers doctoral students interested in conducting advanced biomedical, behavioral, social science, and health-related research an extensive research training opportunity to undertake all or part of their dissertation research within the NIH Intramural Research Program.
The Graduate Partnerships Program connects doctoral education at universities in the United States and abroad with the research environment, facilities, scientists, and resources available across NIH Institutes and Centers. Through the program, participating students remain enrolled as full-time doctoral students at their universities while completing dissertation research under the guidance of NIH researchers.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to doctoral researchers working across fields such as biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, and other disciplines related to health and biomedical research.
Importantly, the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program provides financial support to participating students. Graduate student stipends are adjusted annually and based on relevant experience after completion of an undergraduate degree. Additional support includes health insurance coverage and, for eligible new fellows relocating near an NIH campus, a one-time relocation benefit of $1,500.
There are two primary routes into the Graduate Partnerships Program: Individual Partnerships and Institutional Partnerships. The appropriate pathway depends on a student’s university, current doctoral status, and the structure through which they plan to undertake their NIH dissertation research.
About the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program
The NIH Graduate Partnerships Program is designed to give doctoral students an opportunity to perform dissertation research within the NIH Intramural Research Program while continuing their academic studies through their home universities.
Students participating through institutional partnerships benefit from both the academic resources of their universities and the research environment of NIH. Under these arrangements, students complete their academic requirements through their universities while performing all or part of their dissertation research within an NIH research group.
Rather than replacing a student’s university doctoral programme, the NIH experience becomes an important component of it. Participants remain responsible for satisfying the academic requirements established by their home institution while simultaneously undertaking research at NIH.
This model can provide doctoral researchers with access to a broad scientific community while allowing them to maintain their existing academic affiliation.
Two Ways to Participate in the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program
Prospective participants should understand that the Graduate Partnerships Program offers two main pathways.
1. Individual Partnerships
Individual Partnerships are intended for students who are already enrolled in doctoral programmes at universities around the world.
Through this pathway, currently enrolled doctoral students may undertake all or part of their dissertation research at NIH.
Individual Partnerships can include:
- U.S. citizens;
- U.S. permanent residents; and
- foreign nationals.
This makes the Individual Partnership pathway particularly significant for doctoral students studying outside the United States who are interested in conducting dissertation research within the NIH Intramural Research Program.
Individual Partnership applications are open year-round.
Students should review the specific Individual Partnership eligibility requirements and application process before submitting an application.
2. Institutional Partnerships
Institutional Partnerships are established collaborative arrangements between NIH and specific university programmes.
Students participating in these partnerships are jointly selected through NIH and university processes, complete their academic requirements at the relevant university, and undertake all or part of their dissertation research in an NIH Intramural Research Program research group.
The listed partner programmes include partnerships involving:
- Brown University;
- Georgetown University;
- Johns Hopkins University;
- University of Pennsylvania;
- University College London;
- University of Oxford and University of Cambridge; and
- the Consortia of Universities – NIH Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program.
Applicants should note that eligibility requirements, university application requirements, programme structures, and deadlines can differ significantly between individual institutional partnerships.
What Degrees Are Eligible for the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program?
The broader NIH Graduate Partnerships Program is designed for doctoral-level students.
According to the NIH programme information provided, students pursuing the following degrees may participate:
- PhD;
- DPhil;
- PharmD;
- DrPH;
- PsyD;
- MD/PhD; and
- DVM/PhD.
Students pursuing a master’s degree are not the intended participants for the Graduate Partnerships Program and are instead directed by NIH towards its Academic Internship Program.
The Graduate Partnerships Program is also not intended for students pursuing stand-alone professional degrees such as:
- MD;
- DO;
- DDS; or
- other professional degrees that do not fit the programme’s doctoral research structure.
Applicants should carefully review the requirements of the specific Individual or Institutional Partnership they intend to pursue, as individual pathways may have additional eligibility conditions.
Research Opportunities Available Through the NIH GPP
Graduate students participating in the programme undertake research within one of the NIH Institutes or Centers that form part of the NIH Intramural Research Program.
Research groups operate across NIH campuses, including the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
Graduate students work within research groups directed by NIH Principal Investigators (PIs).
The programme encompasses research opportunities across the:
- biomedical sciences;
- behavioral sciences;
- social sciences;
- basic sciences;
- translational research; and
- clinical research.
The institutional programme specifically invites graduate students interested in fields including biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, and other health-related disciplines.
This multidisciplinary structure means the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program is not restricted solely to traditional laboratory-based biomedical research.
Fields of Study Relevant to the Programme
Students with academic or research experience across a wide variety of scientific and health-related disciplines may find relevant opportunities through the programme.
These include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Biology
- Biomedical sciences
- Engineering
- Epidemiology
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Nursing
- Physics
- Computer science
- Bioinformatics
- Behavioral sciences
- Social sciences
- Other health-related disciplines
Applicants should research the NIH Institutes and Centers carefully to identify research groups whose scientific focus aligns with their doctoral research interests and long-term academic or professional goals.
Where Will Graduate Students Conduct Their Research?
Graduate students can work within research groups across NIH campuses.
The programme is therefore not limited exclusively to one research building or scientific department. Students should research the different NIH campuses and understand the specific areas of work conducted at each location before pursuing a placement.
For Institutional Partnerships, these are full-time research positions within NIH Institutes and Centers, and participating students may work across NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
Students should also remember that their university remains an important part of their doctoral education.
Depending on the partnership, students may be required to divide their time between their university and NIH.
Professional Development Beyond Dissertation Research
The NIH Graduate Partnerships Program extends beyond laboratory or research training.
Participating graduate students also gain access to professional and personal development resources intended to support their progress as researchers and future professionals.
NIH graduate students have access to:
- professional development programmes focused on competencies needed for research and healthcare careers;
- educational and career advising; and
- a comprehensive well-being and resilience programme.
These resources can complement the student’s scientific training by helping them consider career pathways, strengthen professional competencies, and navigate the demands associated with doctoral research.
NIH Graduate Partnerships Program Stipend
One of the major features of the Graduate Partnerships Program is the financial support available to participating graduate researchers.
NIH graduate student stipends are adjusted annually and determined based on the amount of relevant experience accumulated after completion of an undergraduate degree.
Students participating in the broader GPP while conducting dissertation research at NIH are required to be paid according to the NIH graduate stipend structure, including where funding originates from a university or doctoral fellowship.
Because stipend levels depend on experience and are adjusted annually, prospective applicants should consult the current NIH stipend information rather than assuming that all GPP students receive an identical amount.
Health Insurance Support
In addition to the graduate stipend, NIH provides a stipend supplement designed to cover the full cost of health insurance offered through the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES).
The insurance provision includes coverage for:
- medical needs;
- dental needs; and
- vision needs.
Coverage is available for individuals and families.
Applicants should review the applicable NIH and FAES information to understand the specific terms of health insurance coverage.
$1,500 Relocation Benefit
New fellows who need to relocate to the vicinity of an NIH campus may qualify for a one-time relocation benefit of $1,500.
This support is particularly relevant to students who must move in order to begin their research training at an NIH location.
Applicants should review the applicable relocation conditions to determine whether they qualify.
Transportation and Travel Support
Free parking is available on each NIH campus.
Graduate students at some campuses may also qualify to participate in the Transhare Program, which provides another transportation-related option for eligible participants.
Students participating through institutional agreements additionally receive funding for travel between NIH and their university. However, the specific arrangements vary according to the partnership.
Prospective applicants should therefore review the details of their particular institutional partnership rather than assuming identical travel benefits across every programme.
Eligibility Requirements
There is no single set of detailed eligibility requirements that applies identically to every GPP pathway.
Eligibility requirements for Individual Partnerships and Institutional Partnerships differ.
For Institutional Partnerships specifically, NIH states that eligibility requirements vary according to the partnership. Applicants must therefore consult the individual programme information for the university partnership that interests them.
At the broader programme level, applicants should pay particular attention to their:
- doctoral enrolment status;
- degree type;
- academic discipline;
- research interests;
- university;
- citizenship or immigration circumstances where applicable;
- requirements of the particular partnership; and
- ability to fulfil NIH onboarding requirements.
Federal Background Check Requirement
Regardless of the pathway through which a graduate student enters NIH, participants must be able to pass the required federal background check.
Applicants should take this requirement seriously and review NIH’s full terms and conditions before committing to the programme.
Meeting academic or research requirements alone does not remove the requirement to satisfy applicable NIH onboarding and federal requirements.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Participating in the Graduate Partnerships Program involves significant responsibilities.
A GPP participant remains a full-time student at their university while undertaking dissertation research through NIH.
For Institutional Partnerships, the student is simultaneously a full-time university student and a trainee working onsite at an NIH campus. Institutional partnerships require students to spend time at their university, and some arrangements require the establishment of collaboration between an NIH Principal Investigator and a university Principal Investigator.
Students must continue meeting the academic requirements of their graduate programme while conducting their dissertation research at NIH.
Prospective applicants should therefore carefully investigate:
- How much time they will spend at NIH.
- How much time they will need to spend at their university.
- Their university’s doctoral requirements.
- NIH research expectations.
- The requirements of their specific partnership.
- Whether collaboration between university and NIH investigators is required.
- The research group and Principal Investigator they may work with.
- Funding, relocation, travel, and other practical considerations.
Understanding these requirements before applying can help students determine whether the structure is compatible with their doctoral programme.
NIH Graduate Partnerships Program 2026 Application Deadline
Deadlines depend on whether an applicant is pursuing an Individual Partnership or an Institutional Partnership.
Individual Partnerships
Applications are open year-round.
This means there is no single annual closing date for the Individual Partnership pathway based on the programme information provided.
Institutional Partnerships
The 2026 Institutional Partnership application is currently open.
The main applicant deadline is:
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Eastern Time.
The general deadline for references to submit recommendation letters is:
Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 12:00 noon Eastern Time.
However, NIH lists exceptions for certain institutional partnerships:
- University of Pennsylvania: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon ET.
- Johns Hopkins University: Friday, December 4, 2026 at 12:00 noon ET.
NIH also notes that the Consortia of Universities – NIH Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program (CBSTP) operates two submission rounds, and prospective applicants should consult the CBSTP programme directly for its applicable deadline.
Because deadlines and requirements vary, applicants should verify the schedule for their selected partnership well before beginning the application.
How to Apply for the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program
Applicants should first determine whether they are applying through an Individual Partnership or Institutional Partnership.
They should then carefully review the eligibility and admission requirements associated with that pathway.
Applying for an Institutional Partnership
Applicants pursuing an Institutional Partnership must complete the NIH GPP application.
University application requirements can differ depending on the selected partnership.
The NIH online application includes several important components.
1. Undergraduate Experience
Applicants must provide information about their undergraduate educational experience.
2. Coursework and Grades
Applicants must provide a list of their coursework and grades.
Candidates should ensure that the academic information entered into the application is complete and accurate.
3. Curriculum Vitae
A current CV must be included.
Applicants should ensure that their CV clearly communicates relevant academic, research, technical, professional, and other experiences appropriate to the programme.
4. Personal Statement
Applicants must submit a personal statement.
According to the NIH application requirements, the statement should address:
- previous research experiences;
- why the applicant is interested in the particular institutional agreement;
- long-term career goals; and
- barriers experienced during the applicant’s educational journey.
The personal statement therefore provides applicants with an opportunity to explain both their scientific preparation and their motivation for pursuing the specific NIH-university partnership.
5. Three References
Applicants must provide the names and contact information of three references.
Applicants should pay close attention to recommendation deadlines, particularly because references generally have a separate deadline from the applicant.
6. Complete the Partner University’s Application Where Required
Submitting the NIH application may not be the only requirement.
Applicants may also need to submit a separate application to the relevant partner university.
The exact requirements differ between institutional partnerships, making it essential to review the programme-specific instructions before applying.
Institutional Partner Programmes
The NIH information provided identifies several established Institutional Partnership programmes.
They include:
- Brown University Graduate Partnership Program
- Georgetown University Graduate Partnership Program
- Johns Hopkins University Graduate Partnership Program
- University of Pennsylvania Graduate Partnership Program
- University College London PhD – England
- University of Oxford-Cambridge PhD – England
- University of Oxford/Cambridge MD/PhD – Track 1 and Track 2, England
- Consortia of Universities – NIH Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program (CBSTP)
Each partnership should be treated as a distinct opportunity within the broader GPP structure because eligibility, academic arrangements, university requirements, and deadlines may vary.
Why Applicants Should Research NIH Institutes and Centers Before Applying
A strong application should be informed by an understanding of the NIH research environment.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to investigate the NIH Intramural Research Program, individual NIH Institutes and Centers, NIH campuses, and the specific research conducted at those locations.
This is especially important because doctoral students work within research groups led by Principal Investigators.
Applicants should consider how their dissertation interests connect with:
- a particular NIH Institute or Center;
- an NIH research group;
- the work of relevant Principal Investigators;
- their university research programme; and
- their long-term scientific and professional goals.
This preparation can also help applicants explain why a particular partnership or research environment is appropriate for their doctoral development.
Key Benefits of the NIH Graduate Partnerships Program
Depending on the applicable partnership and individual circumstances, major features of the programme include:
- The opportunity to undertake all or part of doctoral dissertation research within the NIH Intramural Research Program.
- Access to research groups across NIH Institutes and Centers.
- Research training under NIH Principal Investigators.
- Opportunities spanning biomedical, behavioral, social, basic, translational, and clinical research.
- NIH graduate student stipend support.
- Annual stipend adjustments based on post-undergraduate experience.
- A stipend supplement covering eligible FAES health insurance costs.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage through the applicable insurance arrangement.
- A one-time $1,500 relocation benefit for eligible new fellows moving near an NIH campus.
- Free parking at NIH campuses.
- Potential access to Transhare at eligible campuses.
- Travel support between NIH and the university for students participating in institutional agreements, subject to partnership-specific arrangements.
- Professional development programmes.
- Educational and career advising.
- Well-being and resilience resources.
- The opportunity to combine university-based doctoral education with research experience in the NIH Intramural Research Program.
Application Checklist
Before submitting an application, prospective candidates should consider completing the following steps:
- Determine whether the Individual or Institutional Partnership route applies to you.
- Confirm that your doctoral degree is compatible with the GPP.
- Review the specific eligibility requirements for your chosen pathway.
- Research the NIH Intramural Research Program.
- Explore relevant NIH Institutes and Centers.
- Investigate NIH campuses and research areas.
- Review the requirements of the relevant university partnership, where applicable.
- Prepare information about your undergraduate experience.
- Compile your coursework and grades.
- Update your CV.
- Prepare your personal statement if applying through the relevant institutional route.
- Identify three appropriate references.
- Confirm recommendation letter deadlines.
- Determine whether a separate university application is required.
- Review federal background check requirements.
- Verify the deadline applicable to your particular partnership.
- Submit all required materials through the appropriate NIH application system.
Important Deadline Summary
Applicants should not assume that every Graduate Partnerships Program pathway follows the same application calendar.
For the current cycle described by NIH:
Individual Partnerships: Applications are open year-round.
Institutional Partnerships: Applications are open, with the main applicant deadline of December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon ET.
General recommendation letter deadline: December 3, 2026 at 12:00 noon ET, with partnership-specific exceptions.
Prospective applicants should confirm the requirements of their chosen programme before submission because certain institutional partnerships operate under different deadlines and procedures.
Contact for Questions
Applicants with questions about the Graduate Partnerships Program can consult the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education’s frequently asked questions or contact the programme directly at:
Email: gpp@nih.gov
Applicants are strongly encouraged to use official NIH information when checking eligibility requirements, deadlines, programme structures, and application procedures.
Conclusion
The NIH Graduate Partnerships Program 2026 offers doctoral researchers an opportunity to integrate university-based graduate education with dissertation research in the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Program.
Through Individual and Institutional Partnerships, students can undertake research across biomedical, behavioral, social, computational, engineering, pharmaceutical, and other health-related fields while working within NIH research groups led by Principal Investigators.
The programme also provides substantial support for participating graduate researchers. Depending on eligibility and partnership arrangements, this can include an NIH graduate stipend, health insurance support covering medical, dental and vision needs, a $1,500 relocation benefit for eligible new fellows, transportation provisions, professional development, career advising, and additional support resources.
For prospective applicants, choosing the correct pathway is essential. Individual Partnership applications remain open throughout the year, while the current Institutional Partnership cycle has a principal applicant deadline of December 1, 2026 at noon ET, with recommendation letters and certain partner programmes following separate deadlines.
Doctoral students interested in the programme should carefully examine the relevant partnership, research NIH Institutes and Centers that align with their interests, prepare the required academic and application materials, and verify all programme-specific requirements before submitting an application.
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