The new NSF Graduate Research Fellowship solicitation has finally been released, here.
Senior undergraduates’ and BS-alumni eligibility is the same. But enrolled graduate students must now be first years.
Graduate student applicants must be first-years according to the following criteria:
- First-year graduate student in their first graduate degree program with less than one academic year completed in the degree program (according to institution’s academic calendar), OR
- Individual enrolled in a joint bachelor’s-master’s degree program with at least three undergraduate years completed
Substantially more detailed guidance is available in the solicitation. Bottom line: Graduate students can only submit a NSF GRFP application during their first year of study.
- The previously posted October application deadlines for this year have been moved to mid-November:
November 10, 2025
Life Sciences
November 12, 2025
Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning
November 13, 2025
Engineering
November 14, 2025
Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy
Reference letters are due Friday, November 7 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time – earlier than the student’s own application.
This year, GRFP is due later than similar STEM graduate fellowships like Hertz or NDSEG.
Merit Review Principles and Criteria section has been revised in alignment with NSF’s current strategic priorities. Applicants and advisors/mentors should read this section carefully to ensure the written application will be well-aligned and competitive.
Agency Contacts section for the GRF program has been updated.