The USA National Science Foundation Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) has opened applications to support outstanding graduate students pursuing research based master’s and doctoral degrees in NSF supported STEM disciplines.
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The programme has supported graduate researchers since 1952 and is designed for students who show strong potential to contribute to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Key Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program |
| Organisation | U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Study level | Master’s and Doctoral |
| Study type | Full time, research based |
| Study location | United States |
| Eligible institutions | Accredited, nonprofit U.S. higher education institutions |
| Fields | NSF supported STEM disciplines |
| Fellowship support | 3 years |
| Fellowship period | 5 years |
| Annual stipend | $37,000 |
| Cost of education allowance | $16,000 per year |
| Estimated awards | 1,500 |
| Application fee | Not stated in the supplied information |
Benefits
Each NSF Graduate Research Fellowship provides:
- $37,000 annual stipend for each of the three years of financial support.
- $16,000 annual Cost of Education allowance paid to the host institution.
- The $16,000 allowance is provided in lieu of all tuition and mandatory fees for the Fellow during a supported Fellowship year.
- Three years of financial support spread across a five year Fellowship period.
- Fellowship portability, allowing a Fellow to transfer to another eligible institution after completing the first Fellowship year.
Who Can Apply?
The supplied NSF information states that the programme supports:
- Outstanding graduate students.
- Students pursuing full time research based master’s or doctoral degrees.
- Students studying in NSF supported STEM disciplines.
- Students enrolled at accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions of higher education.
Eligible Fields
The programme supports research in NSF supported STEM disciplines.
- Life Sciences
- Computer and Information Science and Engineering
- Materials Research
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Geosciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physics and Astronomy
2026 Application Deadlines
- October 19, 2026: Life Sciences
- October 20, 2026: Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Materials Research, Psychology and Social Sciences
- October 22, 2026: Engineering
- October 23, 2026: Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy
How the Fellowship Works
The NSF GRFP offers:
- A five year Fellowship period.
- Three years of financial support within that period.
- A $37,000 stipend during each supported year.
- A $16,000 Cost of Education allowance to the institution during each supported year.
Although the Fellowship is offered to the individual student, the funds are awarded to the institution where the Fellow is enrolled. The institution is responsible for paying the stipend to the Fellow.
Fellowship Portability
A Fellow can transfer the fellowship to another eligible institution after completing the first Fellowship year, subject to the programme’s requirements.
Application Process
Applicants should:
- Review the latest NSF GRFP solicitation through the link provided below.
- Confirm that their degree programme and STEM discipline are supported.
- Check the eligibility requirements in the official guidelines.
- Identify the application deadline that corresponds to their field.
- Prepare the required application materials according to the solicitation.
- Submit the application through the NSF designated application process before 8:00 p.m. ET on the applicable deadline.
Important Application Rule
An eligible applicant will submit only one application per annual competition. The supplied NSF information also states a limit of one application per eligible applicant for the annual competition.
Selection and Funding
NSF estimates that approximately 1,500 new Graduate Research Fellowships will be awarded under the programme, subject to the availability of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program?
It is a U.S. National Science Foundation programme that supports outstanding graduate students pursuing research based master’s and doctoral degrees in NSF supported STEM disciplines.
2. How much is the NSF GRFP stipend?
The supplied programme information states that NSF provides a $37,000 stipend per supported Fellowship year.
3. How much is the Cost of Education allowance?
NSF provides $16,000 per supported Fellowship year to the Fellow’s institution.
4. How long does the NSF fellowship last?
The Fellowship period is five years, with three years of financial support.
5. How many fellowships are expected to be awarded?
NSF estimates approximately 1,500 awards, subject to availability of funds.
6. Can master’s students apply?
The programme supports students pursuing research based master’s degrees, subject to the full eligibility requirements.
7. Can doctoral students apply?
Yes. The programme supports students pursuing research based doctoral degrees, subject to the full eligibility requirements.
8. Where must Fellows study?
The supplied information specifies accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions of higher education.
9. What fields does the NSF GRFP support?
It supports NSF supported STEM disciplines. The 2026 deadlines are organised across areas including life sciences, engineering, computer science, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics, physics and astronomy, materials research, psychology and social sciences.
10. Can the fellowship be transferred?
Yes. The Fellowship is portable and can be transferred to another institution after the Fellow completes the first Fellowship year.
11. When is the Life Sciences deadline?
The deadline is October 19, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. ET.
12. When is the Engineering deadline?
The Engineering deadline is October 22, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. ET.
13. When is the Computer and Information Science deadline?
The deadline is October 20, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. ET.
14. When is the Chemistry deadline?
The deadline is October 23, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. ET.
15. When is the Geosciences deadline?
The deadline is October 23, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. ET.
16. When is the Mathematical Sciences deadline?
The deadline is October 23, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. ET.
17. When is the Physics and Astronomy deadline?
The deadline is October 23, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. ET.
18. Can I submit more than one application?
No. An eligible applicant may submit only one application per annual competition.
19. Is the $16,000 payment given directly to the student?
No. The supplied information states that the Cost of Education allowance is provided to the institution. The institution is responsible for handling the fellowship funds and stipend.
20. Where can I find the complete application requirements?
Applicants should review the latest NSF GRFP solicitation, NSF 26 526, for the complete requirements and application instructions.
