NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)

Organization(s) U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)

Purpose 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.

Notice Out now: View the NSF GRFP Notice of Funding Opportunity. Policies and procedures for recipients: View the GRFP Administrative Guide.

Applicant deadlines

• October 16, 2026 by 8:00 p.m. Eastern time – All reference letters due.
• October 19, 2026 by 8:00 p.m. Eastern time – Life Sciences
• October 20, 2026 by 8:00 p.m. Eastern time – Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social Sciences
• October 22, 2026 by 8:00 p.m. Eastern time – Engineering
• October 23, 2026 by 8:00 p.m. Eastern time – Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy
• November 15, 2026 – You can withdraw your application anytime. However, this is the last day to withdraw your application and not have it count towards the number of times you apply to NSF GRFP.

Program goals

• Support outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based degrees
• Increase participation in science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM)
• Build the next generation of scientific leaders

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.

Learn more