NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) supports exceptional early-career graduate students pursuing research-based degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program is administered by the NSF, which funds a broad range of STEM disciplines. Selected fellows receive a stipend to support living expenses over several years, along with a cost-of-education allowance distributed to their institution. Because a fellowship is not a loan, recipients are not required to repay these funds.
The selection process is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated on two primary criteria: intellectual merit, reflecting the quality and significance of the proposed research, and broader impacts, which assess how the research and fellow's activities will benefit society and advance STEM education and participation. The NSF explicitly encourages applications from women and members of other demographic groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields, recognizing that diverse perspectives strengthen scientific progress.
The application process itself is free; candidates should avoid any service claiming to charge a fee or guarantee funding, as no third party can secure selection. Prospective applicants should review the current program solicitation from the NSF to confirm eligibility requirements, field availability, and submission deadlines, which vary by discipline.
Prospective fellows should approach the application as a rigorous but accessible opportunity. Strong applications require careful attention to research goals, clear articulation of broader impacts, and honest assessment of fit. While selection is selective and outcomes uncertain, the program represents a meaningful pathway for serious graduate researchers committed to advancing STEM.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: National Science Foundation — Graduate Research Fellowship. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for nsf graduate research fellowship program (grfp)?
Early-career graduate students and college seniors pursuing research-based master's or doctoral degrees in NSF-supported fields; women in STEM are actively encouraged to apply. Open to women and men alike..
Does nsf graduate research fellowship program (grfp) have to be repaid?
This is fellowship (not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for nsf graduate research fellowship program (grfp)?
Apply directly through the NSF GRFP during the annual competition; details at nsf.gov.
More in Research & professional
Not sure which funding fits?
Compare grants, scholarships, assistance, and loans side by side, or use the finder to narrow down by your situation.
Open the funding finder →