NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) | NSF – U.S. National Science Foundation
Overview
A U.S. National Science Foundation fellowship providing three years of support to outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based master's or doctoral degrees in STEM fields.
Eligibility
Graduate and undergraduate students who are pursuing or intending to pursue full-time research-based master's or doctoral degrees in STEM fields.Eligible candidates in the United States.
Benefits
Three years of support over a five-year Fellowship period.$37,000 stipend for each year of support.$16,000 Cost of Education allowance provided to the institution of higher education in lieu of tuition and mandatory fees for each Fellow using the support in a Fellowship year.The Fellowship may be transferred to another institution after completion of the first Fellowship year.
Application Process
Review the latest NSF GRFP solicitation and the comprehensive application information provided by NSF.Submit one application through the NSF application system by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the applicable deadline date. An eligible applicant may submit only one application per annual competition.
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, offered by the U.S. National Science Foundation, supports outstanding students pursuing full-time research-based graduate degrees in STEM fields.
Opportunity
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
Type
Fellowship
University
U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
Country
United States
Study Level
Graduate
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Graduate and undergraduate students who are pursuing or intending to pursue full-time research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in STEM fields.
- Eligible candidates in the United States.
Fields of Study
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields
Value
- Three years of support over a five-year Fellowship period.
- A $37,000 stipend for each of the three years of support.
- A $16,000 Cost of Education allowance provided to the institution of higher education in lieu of tuition and mandatory fees for each Fellow using the support in a Fellowship year.
- The Fellowship is portable and may be transferred to a different institution after completion of the first Fellowship year.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are assessed on:
- Outstanding applicants who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM.
- Applications are reviewed under the current NSF GRFP solicitation.
How to Apply
Review the latest NSF GRFP solicitation and submit one application through the NSF application system by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the applicable deadline date. An eligible applicant may submit only one application per annual competition.
Application Deadline
October 19, 2026 for Life Sciences; October 20, 2026 for Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Materials Research, Psychology, and Social Sciences; October 22, 2026 for Engineering; and October 23, 2026 for Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy. Applications are due by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the applicable date.
Ready to Apply?
Review the details above, then use the links below to apply or visit the official page.
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