NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
NSF's flagship fellowship supporting outstanding graduate students in STEM early in their studies.
Official program page- Sponsor
- National Science Foundation
- Mechanism
- GRFP
- Typical award
- A stipend (NSF updates the level periodically) plus an education allowance to the school, across a five-year fellowship with three funded years.
- Deadlines
- Once a year, with field-specific deadlines in October.
What it funds
- Three years of financial support within a five-year fellowship period
- An annual stipend paid to the fellow
- A cost-of-education allowance paid to the institution
Who can apply
U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents pursuing a research-based master's or PhD in a supported STEM field, typically in their first or second year of graduate study (or applying before enrolling).
Best for
An early-stage STEM graduate student (or graduating senior) with strong research potential.
Figures and deadlines change year to year: always confirm current details on the official program page before applying.
Related programs
All NSF opportunitiesNSF's most prestigious award for early-career faculty, integrating a research program with an education plan.
An NIH fellowship that supports promising PhD students through their dissertation research and training.
NASA's annual omnibus solicitation covering most of its Science Mission Directorate research opportunities.
Managing a NSF GRFP proposal?
GrantsManager tracks the deadline, budget, and submission from first draft to award.