GRFP Hero

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)

The purpose of the U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States.

Applicant deadlines

Program goals

A medal with a star in the center

Support outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based degrees

Atomic_energy_color

Increase participation in science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM)

Graduate_color

Build the next generation of scientific leaders

Four people (three men and a woman) stand inside a room with machines with lots of wires.

Fellowship benefits

The fellowship offers:

  • Five-year award with three years of financial support:
    • $37,000 stipend plus $16,000 cost of education (COE) paid to the institution for each year of funding support.
    • COE payment covers all tuition and mandatory fees (no cost to student).
    • $53,000 each year for three years over a five-year period.
  • No post-graduate study service requirement.
  • Access to supplemental funding to sustain research while on medical leave.

NSF GRFP by the numbers

70K+

Annual fellowships historically

500+

Institutions supported historically

73

Years of innovation

Information for

Find resources tailored to your role in the GRFP community.

Applicants

Find resources to help you check eligibility, prepare strong applications, submit your application, and understand what happens after you apply.

Reference writers

Find resources to help you write effective GRFP reference letters, understand the review criteria, and submit your reference letters.

Reviewers

Find resources to guide your GRFP review, including timelines, evaluation criteria, writing effective reviews, and submitting your evaluation.