This page contains a timeline that lays out the process and events behind the VMLRP program.
VMLRP News
September 2, 2025
Some processes have changed for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 NIFA grant funds. NIFA will not issue a VMLRP Request for Applications (RFA) in FY25. In FY26 upon receipt of appropriations, NIFA will issue an RFA for VMLRP, utilizing both FY25 and FY26 appropriations to make awards.
Additionally, NIFA is modifying some processes for the FY26 Veterinary Shortage Nomination process. NIFA will use the Veterinary Shortage Nominations submitted in FY25 for the FY26 VMLRP application period.
States that did not submit in FY25 are eligible to submit nominations in FY26. States that did not use all their allocations in FY25 are eligible to submit nominations to meet the maximum allocated amount for FY26. States that submitted approved shortage nominations in FY25 have no action to take at this time.
VMLRP Timeline
Dates listed below are subject to change in relation to unforeseen circumstances or administrative changes.
| Tasks | FY 2026 | FY 2027 | FY 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortage Nomination Webinar | Not Applicable | September 2026 | September 2027 |
| Shortage Nomination Cycle Opens | September 22, 2025 | October 2026 | October 2027 |
| Shortage Nomination Cycle Closed | November 7, 2025 | November 2026 | November 2027 |
| Shortage Situation Areas Posted | To be determined | February 2027 | February 2028 |
| Application Period Opens | To be determined | February 2027 | February 2028 |
| Technical Assistance Webinar | To be determined | March 2027 | March 2028 |
| Letter of Intent Deadline | To be determined | April 2027 | April 2028 |
| Application Period Closes | To be determined | April 2027 | April 2028 |
| VMLRP Awards Offered | To be determined | September 30, 2027 | September 30, 2028 |
| VMLRP Service Agreement Begins | January 1, 2027 | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2029 |