First Look: AY 2026 Match

Nephrology Programs Matched 66% of Positions for AY 2026

Training Tracks Filled

Fellowship Positions Filled

Key Takeaways from the AY 2026 Nephrology Match

A total of 333 candidates matched into nephrology in the appointment year (AY) 2026 Match, down 8% from last year. Data released today by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) revealed:

• A total of 89 out of 186 nephrology training tracks in the AY 2026 Match filled (48%), with 66% of the 501 fellowship positions offered claimed on Match Day.

• 133 international medical graduates (IMGs) obtained nephrology positions, similar to AY 2025. IMGs comprised 40% of matched nephrology trainees this year.

• Matched allopathic candidates were down 2% to 87 residents in AY 2026; 52 DOs entered nephrology as well as 61 US-IMGs who comprised 18% of all matched fellows for AY 2026.

Match Results in Detail

Fellows

Of 341 candidates preferring nephrology 316 obtained a nephrology fellowship position in AY 2026. Allopathic residents entering nephrology declined 2% from AY 2025, with IMGs up 2%, DOs down 30%, and US-IMGs down 10% (see Table 1). The ratio of nephrology candidates declined to 0.68 candidates/position.

Table 1: Nephrology Candidate Trends AY 2020–AY 2026*

*Note: Total Applicants for AY 2026 not reported on Match Day.
Source: NRMP.

Fewer US MDs and More IMGs Matched into Nephrology in AY 2026

93% of Candidates Preferring Nephrology Matched in AY 2026

The Ratio of Candidates to Nephrology Positions Declined to 0.68

Nephrology Training Tracks

In AY 2026, 186 nephrology training tracks (e.g., Clinical, Research, or Critical Care–Nephrology) were offered in the nephrology Match, of which 48% filled all of their available slots. There were 501 positions offered for AY 2026, an increase of 1% over AY 2025 (see Table 2).

Table 2: Trends—Nephrology Match Training Tracks AY 2020–AY 2026

Source: NRMP.

Proportion of Filled Training Tracks Decreased in AY 2026

89 Training Tracks Filled All Fellowship Positions

66% of Fellowship Positions Filled, Down 9%

More Positions Were Offered This Year, 168 of Which Were Unfilled

Predicting Match Outcomes Using July ERAS Data

There is a moderately strong linear relationship between the number of nephrology candidates in July with that year’s total matched fellows (ordinary least squares, R²=0.9). The model is limited by a low level of information, with data available only from the AY 2014 cycle onward. Yet the model makes some intuitive sense given that candidates applying to nephrology fellowships in July are committed to pursuing the specialty. In AY 2026, there were 341 candidates in July, with the model predicting 333 matched fellows, exactly this year’s final total of 333.

Linear Regression of ERAS Nephrology Candidates in July with Matched Fellows