Radiology Fellowship Application Guide: Timelines by Subspecialty
July 1, 2026
Radiology fellowship application timelines vary by subspecialty. MSK, Breast Imaging, and Neuroradiology all operate on different cycles, some through the NRMP Match and some through ERAS. Here is a practical guide to fellowship timelines, match dates, and what to prepare for the 2028 appointment year.
Radiology fellowship applications do not follow a single calendar. MSK, Breast Imaging, and Neuroradiology operate on different timelines, some through the NRMP Match and some through direct application.
If you are a resident reading this in the second half of 2026, the 2027 appointment year window is closed. Match Day for that cycle was June 17, 2026. The cycle that matters now is the 2027 Match for 2028 appointment year positions, and for most subspecialties it opens this fall. Here is what to know and what to have ready.
How Fellowship Matching Works in Radiology
The NRMP Radiology Fellowship Match is administered through the National Resident Matching Program and covers several subspecialties. Programs that participate in the Match are bound by its timeline and cannot offer positions outside the match process.
Some subspecialties, including most neuroradiology programs, use ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) and operate on their own timeline outside the NRMP match. A handful of programs do not use either system and accept direct applications.
What the Cycle Looks Like: The 2026 Match, for Reference
The 2026 Radiology Fellowship Match for 2027 positions ran on the schedule below. The 2027 cycle for 2028 positions has not been formally published yet, but it is expected to follow the same general shape. Use this to plan backward, and confirm exact dates with the NRMP once they post.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2025 | Programs open to accept applications |
| January 12, 2026 | Virtual interview period begins |
| March 11, 2026 | Match opens for applicants and programs |
| March 31, 2026 | Last day of interview period |
| April 15, 2026 | Rank order lists open |
| May 20, 2026 | Quota change deadline |
| June 3, 2026 | Rank order lists close |
| June 17, 2026 | Match Day |
| July 1, 2027 | Training begins |
Subspecialties in the NRMP Radiology Fellowship Match
The following subspecialties participated in the NRMP Radiology Fellowship Match for 2027 appointment year positions. Emergency Radiology did not participate in the 2026 cycle, according to the NRMP.
- Breast Imaging
- Musculoskeletal Radiology (MSK)
- Pediatric Radiology
- Thoracic Imaging
- Abdominal Imaging / Body Imaging (many programs)
Subspecialties Outside the NRMP Match
- Neuroradiology: Most programs use ERAS. Applications typically open in the fall for the following year's positions. UCLA, UCSF, and other major academic programs each post their own timelines. Check individual program websites from October onward.
- Interventional Radiology (independent fellowship): Participates in the NRMP match on the same timeline as above.
- Nuclear Medicine: Variable. Some programs use ERAS, some use direct application.
What to Prepare Before Applications Open
Regardless of subspecialty, every fellowship application requires these core components:
- Updated CV tailored to your target subspecialty
- Personal statement with clear subspecialty rationale and career goals
- Three letters of recommendation (one from your current program director is standard; two from subspecialty attendings in your area of interest is optimal)
- USMLE score reports
- Digital headshot
- Research abstracts, publications, or presentations if applicable
Most programs will not review incomplete applications. Have all materials ready before the application window opens, not after.
If You Are a PGY-3 Right Now, This Fall Is Your Window
The 2027 Match cycle for 2028 appointment year positions opens in fall 2026 for most NRMP subspecialties. That makes September through November the stretch where you finalize your personal statement, request letters of recommendation, and build your program list.
Do not wait until applications formally open to request letters from attendings. They typically need 6 to 8 weeks, and every other resident in your program will be asking the same faculty at the same time.
When fellowship is complete and you are entering the attending job market, RJ Recruiter on RadiologyJobs lists subspecialty-specific attending positions, not generic results pulled from a hospital HR database.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do radiology fellowship applications open for 2028?
For NRMP Radiology Fellowship Match programs, applications for 2028 appointment year positions are expected to open in fall 2026, following the same general timeline as the 2026 cycle (programs open in November, interviews begin in January, Match Day in June).
Does neuroradiology use the NRMP fellowship match?
Most neuroradiology programs use ERAS rather than the NRMP fellowship match. Applications typically open in the fall with interviews in early winter. Check individual program websites for exact timelines.
How many letters of recommendation do I need for a radiology fellowship?
Most programs require 3 letters of recommendation. One must come from your current program director. Two additional letters from subspecialty attendings in your area of interest are optimal. Some programs accept up to 5.
Was Emergency Radiology in the 2026 NRMP Fellowship Match?
No. Emergency Radiology did not participate in the 2026 Radiology Fellowship Match for the 2027 appointment year, according to the NRMP.