National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) is a prestigious initiative designed to bolster the quality, vitality, and diversity of the United States' scientific and engineering workforce. The program is dedicated to recognizing and supporting exceptional graduate students who are engaged in full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or STEM education. The NSF GRFP provides three years of support within a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have shown potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. The NSF is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity, and thus, encourages applications from all sectors of society, including those from underrepresented and underserved communities. The NSF GRFP was established with the aim of attracting and supporting individuals who have the potential to make significant contributions to the STEM fields. The program particularly encourages applications from undergraduate seniors and Bachelor's degree-holders who are interested in pursuing research-based graduate study in STEM. First- and second-year graduate students in eligible STEM fields and degree programs are also strongly encouraged to apply. Each Fellowship provides three years of support within a five-year fellowship period. For each of the three years of support, the NSF provides a $37,000 stipend and a $16,000 Cost of Education allowance to the graduate degree-granting institution of higher education for each Fellow who uses the support in a fellowship year. The Fellowship is portable and can be transferred to a different institution of higher education if a Fellow chooses to transfer after the completion of the first Fellowship year. While the Fellowship is offered to the individual, the Fellowship funds are awarded to the institution of higher education where the Fellow is enrolled, and the institution is responsible for disbursing the stipend to the Fellow. The NSF aims to support up to 2,300 new Graduate Research Fellowships each fiscal year under this program solicitation, pending the availability of funds. Applicant eligibility is based on the applicant's status at the application deadline. Applicants must self-certify that they are eligible to receive the Fellowship. To be eligible, an applicant must meet all of the following eligibility criteria at the application deadline. All academic credentials must be indicated in Registrar-issued transcripts. The eligibility criteria include being a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident, intending to enroll or being enrolled full-time in a research-based Master's or doctoral degree program in an eligible Field of Study in STEM or STEM education, and never having previously accepted a Graduate Research Fellowship. For a complete list of eligibility requirements, please refer to Section IV of the application guidelines.