NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) 2026/27

The U.S. National Science Foundation supports outstanding graduate students in STEM through the Graduate Research Fellowship Program. The program has operated since 1952. Deadlines fall between 19 and 23 October 2026, depending on your field.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Funding: $37,000 yearly stipend, plus a $16,000 cost-of-education allowance to the institution
• Duration: Three years of support within a five-year fellowship period
• Awards: About 1,500, pending availability of funds
• Location: Accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions of higher education
• Deadline: 19 to 23 October 2026, by 8:00 p.m. ET, by field

Focus Areas

• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• Research-based master’s degrees
• Research-based doctoral degrees
• Future leaders of the U.S. scientific workforce

About the Fellowship

NSF created the program to strengthen the U.S. scientific and engineering workforce. It backs students who show potential to contribute significantly to STEM. The fellowship goes to the individual, but NSF pays the funds to the student’s institution. The institution then passes the stipend to the Fellow. Fellows may transfer to another institution after the first fellowship year.

What Fellows Receive

• A $37,000 annual stipend for each of the three support years
• A $16,000 annual allowance for tuition and mandatory fees, paid to the institution
• A portable fellowship that can move with the Fellow after year one

Who Can Apply

Applicants must pursue full-time, research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in NSF-supported STEM fields. The degree must be at an accredited, nonprofit U.S. institution. Each person may submit only one application per annual competition. Citizenship and degree-stage rules appear in the solicitation, NSF 26-526. In past cycles, the program served U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents. Verify the current rules before applying.

Required Materials

The source does not list the documents. Review solicitation NSF 26-526 for the essays, letters, and transcripts required.

How to Apply

Read the full solicitation and the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Then check your field’s deadline and submit through NSF’s application system. Contact the NSF Service Desk for help with the GRFP module.

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Conclusion

GRFP offers strong funding and flexibility for promising STEM researchers. Deadlines are just days away, so eligible students should confirm requirements and submit early.

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