What is the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship?
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program 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.
- For more information about the NSF fellowship, please visit the NSF Graduate Fellowship website.
- The current GRFP Administrative Guide (NSF 13-085) and FAQs for the new Administrative Guide (NSF 13-084): Guide & FAQ for the administration of GRFP awards, including Fellow responsibilities, Fellowship administration, terms and conditions, and procedures
- Additional NSF Graduate Research Opportunities
Who is Eligible?
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 by the application deadline:
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Intend to enroll or be enrolled full-time in a research-based graduate degree program in an eligible Field of Study in STEM or STEM education (See Appendix and Section IV.3 for eligible Fields of Study)
- Have never previously accepted a GRFP award
- If previously offered a GRFP award, have declined by the 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, professional, or bachelor's-master's degree in any field, unless (i) returning to graduate study after an interruption of two (2) or more consecutive years immediately preceding the deadline, and; (ii) are not enrolled in a graduate degree program at the application deadline
- Not be a current NSF employee
How Do I Apply?
For information on the application process, including preparing proposals and current NSF policies, please visit the NSF Graduate Fellowship website.
Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. (EST) local time of applicant's mailing address. Deadline dates are separated by subject:
- October 18, 2021: Life Sciences
- October 19, 2021: Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Materials Research, Psychology, Social Sciences, STEM Education and Learning
- October 21, 2021: Engineering
- October 22, 2021: Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy
Further Information
Questions about the Application and Reference Writer Process for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program should be directed to:
GRF Operations Center
1818 N Street NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 866-NSF-GRFP (866-673-4737)
Email: info@nsfgrfp.org
Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (EST)