The NSF GRFP is one of the most prestigious U.S. fellowships for early-career researchers in STEM and STEM education. It provides three years of support within a five-year fellowship period, enabling Master’s and doctoral students to conduct research at accredited U.S. institutions. GRFP emphasizes the potential to advance knowledge (Intellectual Merit) and the potential to benefit society (Broader Impacts).
Key Facts (Quick Look)
- Sponsor: U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Level: Early-stage graduate students and select undergraduates intending graduate study
- Fields: Eligible STEM and STEM education disciplines (see NSF solicitation for inclusions/exclusions)
- Support: Annual stipend and a cost-of-education allowance to the institution (for three years)
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
Eligibility Snapshot
- Applicants are typically college seniors, recent bachelor’s graduates, or early graduate students (with strict rules on graduate credit and prior enrollment).
- Proposed research must fit within NSF-supported fields.
- Applicants may apply once as an undergraduate and once as a graduate student (with cycle-specific nuances).
What the Fellowship Provides
- Annual stipend paid to the Fellow.
- Cost-of-education allowance to the institution in lieu of tuition and fees.
- Professional development opportunities, supercomputer access (XSEDE successor), internship options (e.g., GRIP/ INTERN variants when available).
Timeline
- NSF releases an annual solicitation with exact due dates by field in the early fall.
- Deadlines usually fall across several days (one per disciplinary grouping) in October.
- Award offers are typically announced in spring of the following year.
Review Criteria
- Intellectual Merit: Demonstrated potential to advance scientific knowledge (grades, research experience, publications, presentations).
- Broader Impacts: Demonstrated potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes (mentoring, outreach, DEI initiatives, open science, societal relevance).
Application Components (Typical)
- Research statement (original research plan and methods).
- Personal, relevant background, and future goals statement.
- Three reference letters.
- Transcripts (unofficial acceptable at application stage).
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Check the new solicitation for updated rules and fields-of-study deadlines.
- Draft early: iterate on both statements with mentors and peers.
- Align evidence: ensure your CV, statements, and letters reinforce the same narrative.
- Center broader impacts with concrete, feasible activities and metrics.
- Confirm eligibility regarding prior graduate enrollment or degrees.
- Submit to the correct field deadline and verify all uploads.
Tips to Stand Out
- Make your research plan specific and testable.
- Connect broader impacts to your lived experience and campus/community needs.
- Provide quantitative outcomes when possible (e.g., number of mentees, workshops delivered).
- Ask letter writers to anchor claims with examples of your research independence and initiative.
Common Questions
Can I hold GRFP with other fellowships?
Some combinations are restricted; coordinate with your graduate program and read the terms carefully.
Do master’s-only students qualify?
Yes, if they meet eligibility and apply with a research plan in an NSF-supported field.