The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is the oldest and most prestigious fellowship of its kind in the United States, supporting outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines. Each year, NSF awards approximately 2,500 fellowships providing three years of financial support to pursue research-based graduate education in the US.
Key Details
- Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Stipend: $37,000 per year for each of 3 years of support
- Cost of Education Allowance: $16,000 per year paid to the institution
- Duration: 3 years of support over a 5-year fellowship period
- Eligible Fields: All NSF-supported STEM fields including life sciences, engineering, computer science, social sciences, psychology, and STEM education
- Eligibility: US citizens, permanent residents, or nationals; undergraduate seniors, bachelor’s degree-holders, and first/second-year graduate students in eligible programs
- Deadline: Mid-to-late October 2026 (exact date varies by discipline — check the NSF website for your field)
- Application Portal Opens: Late July / early August 2026
- How to Apply: Applications submitted through Research.gov; reference letters due approximately 3 weeks after the application deadline
- Official Page: NSF GRFP Official Page
The NSF GRFP is widely considered the gold standard for early-career STEM fellowship support in the United States. Beyond the financial support, fellows gain access to a powerful network and the prestige of NSF recognition throughout their careers. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident entering or currently in a STEM graduate program, applying for the GRFP is one of the best investments you can make in your research future. Mark your calendar — the application portal opens in late July 2026.
Always verify deadlines and details on the official NSF GRFP website before applying.