National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program


The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions. Fellows benefit from a three-year annual stipend of $34,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees (paid to the institution), opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education they choose

Website: https://www.nsfgrfp.org

Application Deadline: Late October (specific deadlines vary by field of study)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a citizen of the U.S., U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident
  • Intend to enroll or be enrolled in a research-based master’s or doctoral degree program in an eligible Field of Study in STEM or STEM education
  • Have never previously accepted a Graduate Research Fellowship
  • If previously offered a Graduate Research Fellowship, have declined by the acceptance deadline 
  • Have never previously applied to GRFP while enrolled in a graduate degree program
  • Have never earned a doctoral or terminal degree in any field
  • Have never earned a master’s or professional degree in any field, or completed more than one academic year in a graduate degree-granting program, unless (i) returning to graduate study after an interruption of two or more consecutive years immediately preceding the application deadline, and; (ii) not enrolled in a graduate degree program at the application deadline
  • Not be a current NSF employee