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NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

NSF GRFP — Fellowship

Funds graduate students in United States STEM fields to pursue research fellowships during PhD studies.

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About

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), established in 1952, is the oldest fellowship of its kind in the United States. Administered under solicitation NSF 25-547, released September 5, 2025, the FY2026 competition awarded 2,500 fellowships for the 2026–2027 academic year. Each fellow receives a $37,000 annual stipend and a $16,000 cost-of-education allowance per tenure year; NSF pays…

What this grant funds

Graduate research fellowships in all STEM fields and STEM education supported by NSF, open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents pursuing research-based master's or doctoral degrees.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.36–60 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.nsf.gov