Summary of Program Requirements
General Information
Program Title: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
Synopsis of Program:
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.
Award Information
Anticipated Type of Award: Fellowship
Estimated Number of Awards: 1,500
NSF will support new Graduate Research Fellowships under this program solicitation pending availability of funds.
Anticipated Funding Amount: $159,000
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.
Program Solicitation NSF 26-526
- U.S. National Science Foundation
- Directorate for STEM Education
- Division of Graduate Education
- Directorate for Biological Sciences
- Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering
- Directorate for Engineering
- Directorate for Geosciences
- Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships
- Office of the Director
- Office of Integrative Activities
- Office of International Science and Engineering
Application Deadline(s) (received by 8 p.m. Eastern Time):
October 19, 2026
- Life Sciences
October 20, 2026
- Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social Sciences
October 22, 2026
- Engineering
October 23, 2026
- Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy
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