The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Gilliam Fellows Program 2026 is a prestigious competitive fellowship supporting outstanding PhD students in the biological and biomedical sciences at eligible US institutions. Now open to international PhD students for the first time, the program provides up to three years of comprehensive funding including stipend, discretionary allowance, and tuition coverage — all while fostering inclusive scientific training environments.
Key Benefits
- Up to 3 years of annual support during your PhD
- Competitive stipend for the fellow
- Institutional allowance to support tuition and fees
- Discretionary allowance for research and professional development expenses
- Access to HHMI Science Meetings and the Gilliam Annual Meeting
- A year-long mentorship development course for PhD advisors
- New for 2026: a postdoc pathway that can extend HHMI support up to 7 years total
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled in the 2nd or 3rd year of a PhD program in biological/biomedical sciences
- Enrolled at an eligible HHMI institution in the United States
- New for 2026: International PhD students are now eligible to apply
- MD-PhD students are also eligible
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in science
- Research must be in basic biological or biomedical sciences
How to Apply
- Application opens: September 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET
- Application deadline: October 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
- Apply through HHMI’s Application and Review Channel (ARC) platform
- Required: career statement, joint advisor-student statement, advisor letter of support
- No institutional nomination required — students apply directly
This is a landmark opportunity for PhD students in biomedical sciences, especially with the historic expansion to include international students and MD-PhD candidates. Learn more and apply on the official HHMI Gilliam Fellows Program page when applications open September 1, 2026.
Always verify deadlines and details on the official HHMI website before applying.