Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships
This grant funds U.S. citizens or permanent residents starting graduate studies in food and agricultural sciences to support degree completion and develop expertise aligned with USDA’s mission.
Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $78,000–$705,000 per award (institutional grants); total program funding approx. $14,000,000; up to 60 months duration
Summary: Supports institutional fellowships for new U.S. graduate students (master’s, DVM, doctoral) in food and agricultural sciences to develop the next generation of scientific and professional talent.
Description
This program provides institutional grants to support new graduate (master’s, DVM, or doctoral) students pursuing full-time degrees in food and agricultural sciences. The intent is to strengthen the U.S. pipeline of agricultural scientists and professionals by funding innovative graduate training programs at eligible institutions. Funded projects must recruit and support high-caliber U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents for degree completion in areas of national need, promote leadership development, and offer robust research and experiential learning opportunities. The program specifically targets the development of human capital to meet workforce shortages and advance U.S. agricultural competitiveness.
