National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. A goal of the program is to broaden participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM. The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000.
GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who have demonstrated the potential to be high achieving scientists and engineers, early in their careers. Applicants must be pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education at accredited US institutions.
Fellowship Benefits
- Five year fellowship period with three years of financial support
- Annual stipend of $37,000
- Cost-of-education allowance of $16,000 to the institution
- No post-graduate study service requirement
- Access to supplemental funding to sustain research while on medical deferral (e.g. family leave)
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible for the NSF GRFP, you must:
- be a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident
- intend to pursue a research-based Master’s or Ph.D. program in a GRFP-supported field
- be enrolled in an eligible program at an accredited United States graduate institution, with a US campus, by fall following selection
- be at an early stage in your graduate career
- have completed no more than one academic year of full-time graduate study (or the equivalent)
- Graduate students are limited to only one application to the GRFP, submitted either in the first year or in the second year of graduate school
Click here to watch the GRFP 2024 Applicant Info Webinar!
Click here to learn more about how to apply!
Deadlines (updated for applications for Fall 2025!)
Request your letters now. Letters of reference are due BEFORE application!
October 11, 2024: All reference letters due by 4 pm Central Time
October 15, 2024: Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy
October 16, 2024: Life Sciences
October 17, 2024: Engineering
October 18, 2024: Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Materials Research, Psychology, Social Sciences, STEM Education and Learning Research