Overview:
The National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding American graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions. GRFP Fellows benefit from a three-year annual stipend of $34,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees, opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education they choose.
Interested students can sign up for the NSF-GRFP Application Preparation Course here.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Senior, recent alumnus/a, first-, or second-year graduate student
- Students may apply once as a senior or recent alumnus/a and once as a graduate student; questions regarding eligibility can be sent to Jessica Hoffman (gsfellowships@psu.edu)
- Students completing an integrated undergraduate-graduate degree program must apply in their fourth year of study are limited to one application to GRFP (eligibility specifics here and in Section IV of the Solicitation)
- Have never earned a master’s or professional degree in any field
Application Materials:
- A completed application
- Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals Statement (three pages)
- Graduate Research Plan Statement (two pages)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
Application Preparation Resources:
- The NSF-GRFP Application Preparation Canvas course serves as a hub for information, resources, and tips for Penn State applicants, whether they be undergraduates, graduate students, or recent alumni.
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The NSF-GRFP Workshop series: This interactive zoom workshiop series, hosted by experienced faculty, staff and fellowship recipients will cover topics that include pre-writing, writing the personal statment and research proposal, understaing the review committee and putting together a winning broader impacts plan. Links to register for the NSF-GRFP Workship Series can be found in the canvas course or on the URFM calendar of events.
The National Application Deadline is typically in October.
Applications must be submitted directly using the online application system.