NIJ Graduate Research Fellowship Program

The National Institute of Justice Graduate Research Fellowship Program is an NIJ fellowship track that supports doctoral dissertation research in criminal justice. Awards are made to universities or institutions on behalf of doctoral candidates conducting research in eligible criminal justice topics, rather than directly funding students as individuals. The program follows an annual U.S. federal fiscal-year rhythm. The FY25 opportunity (O-NIJ-2025-172575) required a two-step process through Grants.gov and then a JustGrants full application, with the 2025 cycle closing on 27 May 2026. Current cycle status is between cycles and the next call is expected in spring 2027. Applicants are evaluated as dissertation-stage proposals, with emphasis on alignment to NIJ priorities and institutional execution capacity. Strong submissions are typically hosted by accredited universities or research institutions that can carry the project through the required program timeline.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.