Fellows Program: Frequently Asked Questions

Fellows FAQ

Are non-US Citizens eligible?

• They meet the basic eligibility requirements in education and professional level
• They are from a developing country, as defined by the World Bank
• They are applying to work with one of the vetted fellowship sites

I am a non-US citizen, but am currently working in the US. Can I apply?

You are eligible provided you work with one of our pre-vetted fellowship sites.  When you apply you will need to propose a stipend level.
Our policy for international applicants is that a stipend must be fair and equitable at the host institution and the country that they are citizens of, and under no circumstances cannot exceed 45K. If your last/current position is in the US you can attach documentation to your application showing your US salary level, which will we match, however it may not exceed 45K a year.

Are certain fields and/or topics more competitive than others?

The majority of our applications are focused on HIV/AIDS and infectious disease. We receive less applications related to heart, blood, and lung diseases, oncology, and ophthalmology; although, we often have the same number of fellowships available for these fields as for the HIV/AIDS fellowships.

I would like to be a fellow but do not have a site. Can you recommend one?

There are 37 vetted fellows sites. Please peruse our Site pages to find out about our vetted Fellowship sites. You can contact a site to find out if they are open to collaboration on your project.

Would the ICRF allow a fellow to divide his or her year at more than one site?

Yes, provided that both sites are included within the same coherent research plan and a justification for the sites is included.

How are the applications judged?

Applications are judged based on the merits of the research proposal, the candidate, and, when proposing a new site- the foreign site application.

If my current fellowship allows for funding support for the research proposed for my ICRF year, can that be combined with ICRF to provide for supplies, technology support, etc.?

Yes. That amount should be included in your budget page.

Can I apply for ICRF if I have a family (spouse, children, etc)?

Yes, persons with families are welcome to apply. However, if the fellow plans to bring their family with them to their site they are responsible for the associated costs (travel, insurance, housing, etc).

Is there a minimum amount of time required overseas?

Fellows are required to spend 10 months at their overseas site.

I am interested in doing work in X country. Is it eligible?

The NIH/FICRF fellowship is designed for fellows to work in developing countries as defined by the World Bank. High income countries are not eligible. See a listing of countries as defined by the World Bank .

Is there any geographic quota or limitation to which sites are accepted?

No, each proposal will be judged on its own merits.

Is my application reviewed by the site or by the ICRF program?

Your application is created in partnership with a site and then submitted to ICRF. So you are not applying to the site. You should contact the site your are interested in so that you can collaborate with that site for your proposal.

What is the Orientation?

 For information on July Orientation please click here.

Vetted Site FAQ

Can a resident, fellow, or post-doctorate from my institution apply with my site?

Absolutely.

 Can I conduct my own outreach to find a prospective fellow interested in my site?

Yes, you can advertise your site, post information on your own webpage, etc.