NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
View guidelines
NSF 26-526
Important information for proposers and award recipients
All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in the funding opportunity and in the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and its supplements.
All NSF grants and cooperative agreements are subject to the applicable set of NSF award terms and conditions.
NSF has updated its research security policies for NSF funded projects.
Supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions of higher education.
Supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions of higher education.
Synopsis
The purpose of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. Since 1952, the program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. GRFP was established to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM. NSF encourages applications from all eligible candidates in the U.S.
Program contacts
If you require assistance with the GRFP module, please contact the NSF Service Desk.
Program events
Upcoming
- September 17, 2026 - NSF GRFP Applicant Webinar
- September 23, 2026 - NSF GRFP Applicant Office Hours
- September 24, 2026 - NSF GRFP Reviewer Information Session Webinar
- September 30, 2026 - NSF GRFP Applicant Webinar
- October 5, 2026 - NSF GRFP Reviewer Information Session Webinar
Additional program resources
- Access comprehensive information on how to apply
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for GRFP applicants
- Additional FAQ for applicants
- List of Fellows and Honorable Mentions
- Administrative Guide for fellows and coordinating officials
- Important Information and Updates to the Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Administrative Guide
Awards made through this program
Browse projects funded by this program
Map of recent awards made through this program
Map of recent awards made through this program
Organization(s)
- Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO)
- Directorate for STEM Education (EDU)
- Division of Graduate Education (EDU/DGE)
- Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)
- Directorate for Engineering (ENG)
- Directorate for Geosciences (GEO)
- Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)
- Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP)
- Integrative Activities (OIA/IA)
- Office of International Science and Engineering (OD/OISE)
This program provides educational opportunities for Graduate students and Undergraduate students.
Upcoming due dates
Full proposal 2026 October 19 2026 - Deadline date Life Sciences October 20 2026 - Deadline date Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social Sciences October 22 2026 - Deadline date Engineering October 23 2026 - Deadline date Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy
Due by 5pm submitting organization's local time
Application Deadline(s): received by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for all applications on each deadline date.
Program guidelines
Award information
Per award (Fellowship), pending the availability of funds.
Each Fellowship provides three years of support over a five-year Fellowship period. For each of the three years of support, NSF provides a $37,000 stipend and a $16,000 Cost of Education allowance provided to the institution of higher education (IHE) in lieu of all tuition and mandatory fees for each Fellow using the support in a Fellowship year. While the Fellowship is offered to the individual, the Fellowship funds are awarded to the IHE at which a Fellow is enrolled, and the IHE is responsible for disbursement of the stipend to the Fellow. The Fellowship is portable and can be transferred to a different IHE. Fellows can transfer to another institution after completion of the first Fellowship year.
Estimated number of awards
1500
Estimated number of awards description
- NSF will support new Graduate Research Fellowships under this program solicitation pending availability of funds.
Proposals may only be submitted by certain types of PIs. Please see solicitation for details.
Limit on number of proposals per PI or Co-PI
1
Limit on number of proposals per PI or co-PI description
- An eligible applicant may submit only one application per annual competition.
Review full program guidelines and learn how to submit a proposal in the latest solicitation.
Read the solicitation NSF 26-526