The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and supports outstanding students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing or intend to pursue research-based graduate degrees at accredited United States institutions. This fellowship provides students with three years of financial support including a $37,000 annual stipend and $16,000 cost-of-education allowance. 

National Deadline

Typically in mid- to late October. Deadline varies based on your discipline.  

Institutional Nomination

This scholarship does not require institutional nomination. Candidates are encouraged to work with Fellowships Advising on their application. 

Eligibility Requirements

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 in a research-based master’s or doctoral degree program in an eligible Field of Study in STEM
• Be a senior, an alum who has not yet started graduate school, or a first-year graduate student who has not yet earned a master's degree
• For complete eligibility requirement, see the NSF GRFP Eligibility page. 

Application Instructions and Resources

• Applicants apply directly through the research.gov website  
• The application includes biographical information, a personal statement, a proposed graduate research plan, and three letters of recommendation from faculty in their proposed field of study and/or research supervisors.  As you ask for letters, be sure to include this link to NSF-GRFP advice to letter writers. You should not simply select three people who will say the same thing. Instead, you are encouraged to select references who can comment on different aspects of your qualifications for the fellowship. The GRFP application allows you to list up to five reference writers; the three highest-priority reference letters that are submitted will be included in the application package for review. Seeking four or five references gives you a fallback if one of your top three references is unable to submit a letter for some reason. Ask for reference letters early, you will want to give your reference writers time to write compelling letters.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to work closely with their PI or faculty in their own department, particularly for the Research Statement. Fellowships Advising is helpful for the Personal Statement.   

Resources for Applicants

• Alex Lang's website: Features a number of successful sample essays from a variety of disciplines up until 2022. Do not use the sample essays as formatting guidance.
• GRFP Help website: Attempts to continue where Alex Lang left off. Includes sample essays from the 2025-2026 application cycle and beyond. Do not use the sample essays as formatting guidance.
• GRFP Resources: Includes essay templates, the Notice of Funding Opportunity (also called the Solicitation), official GRFP presentation slides, and more.