Are you a U.S. citizen, citizen, or permanent resident and want to pursue a research-based master’s or doctorate in STEM, but don’t have the funds? Then the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) is the right scholarship to apply for. In this article, we give you everything you need to know about the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). Let’s get into it.
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) is a prestigious program that provides funding to graduate students pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program provides financial assistance for three years, including a $34,000 annual stipend and a $12,000 stipend for tuition and fees.
The NSF GRFP aims to support and encourage diversity and innovation in STEM fields by providing funding to graduate students who have demonstrated the ability to become leaders in their fields. The program is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who are in their first or second year of college or plan to begin college in the upcoming academic year.
The Eligibility Criteria of the NSF GRF
To be eligible, an applicant must meet all of the following eligibility criteria by the application deadline:
- Be a US citizen, national or permanent resident
- Intend to enroll or be enrolled in a research-based master’s or doctoral degree program in an eligible field of study in STEM or STEM education
- Never accepted a Graduate Research Fellowship before
- If you have previously been offered a Graduate Research Fellowship, you declined it before the acceptance deadline
- Have never applied for GRFP before while enrolled in a graduate program
- Have never obtained a doctoral or terminal degree in any field
- Never have completed a master’s or professional degree in any field, or completed more than one academic year in a graduate degree awarding program, unless (i) returning to graduate study after a gap of two or more consecutive years immediately prior to the application deadline, And; (ii) not enrolled in a graduate program by the application deadline
- Not be a current NSF employee
To confirm your eligibility for the NSF GRFP, please complete the Eligibility Questionnaire.
Also, all applicants are expected to read the NSF GRF program application and understand the eligibility guidelines.
Holders of a master’s or professional degree in any subject who have also completed more than one academic year in a graduate-degree-granting program, with the exception of those holding a combined master’s degree, must complete the bachelor’s degree with both of the following requirements: to fulfil:
- Two or more consecutive years between the most recent graduate study and the application deadline; AND
- Not enrolled in a graduate program by the application deadline
The NSF GRFP application requirement
To apply for the NSF GRFP, applicants must submit a research proposal, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. The research proposal must demonstrate the applicant’s knowledge of their chosen field and outline a research project that is innovative, impactful and feasible. The personal statement should highlight the applicant’s personal and academic background, their career goals, and their commitment to diversity and outreach.
For detailed information on the application requirement, check out the Application resource page of the NSF GRFP platform.
Application review
The two merit assessment standards established by NSF – Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts – are used to assess each GRFP application.
Applicants are examined by scientists, engineers and other professionals with expertise in graduate education from many disciplinary and multidisciplinary fields. The program staff who are charged with managing the review procedure choose the reviewers. It is carefully checked to ensure that reviewers are not at odds with the candidates. Applications are assessed on a wide range of related areas according to the major subject chosen.
The Merit Display Criteria provides details of the NSF GRFP application.
Extra information
Receiving an NSF GRFP award is a remarkable achievement that can lead to other funding opportunities, research partnerships and career opportunities. Even those who do not win an award can still benefit from the application process, as it provides an opportunity to hone research concepts, expand professional contacts, and receive input from subject authorities.
The NSF GRFP offers a variety of professional development options in addition to financial support, including access to national conferences and workshops, social gatherings, and mentorship programs. In addition, the program gives fellows the tools and encouragement they need to participate in outreach initiatives, including scholarly outreach and community involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
When can I apply for the NSF GRFP?
You can apply as an early graduate or before you begin your graduate program. There are restrictions on your ability to apply if you have spent more than one year in a graduate program. Please review the detailed eligibility criteria of the NSF GRFP Solicitation to ensure you qualify.
How do the admission rules apply to a joint Bachelor’s-Master’s programme?
Individuals pursuing a master’s degree concurrently with the bachelor’s degree (joint bachelor’s-master’s degree) are considered graduate students and are limited to one application to NSF GRFP. These individuals can apply while enrolled in the joint degree program OR as a first-year doctoral student shortly after completion of the joint degree (see additional information below). All applicants for joint Bachelor’s-Master’s programs must have completed three years in the joint program by the application deadline.
I have completed more than one year of graduation. Are there any conditions under which I can qualify?
Possible. Individuals who have completed more than one academic year in a degree-granting program, who have previously earned a master’s degree of any kind (including bachelor’s degree), or who have earned a professional degree (e.g., law, medicine), are only eligible to enter eligible if they have had an uninterrupted break from graduate study of at least two consecutive years immediately prior to the application deadline, and are not enrolled in a degree-granting graduate program by the application deadline. This means that you cannot yet be enrolled in graduate school at the time of the application deadline. You should state the reasons for the interruption of graduate study in your personal, relevant background and future statement of goals. See the NSF GRF program application for detailed eligibility requirements.
Overall, the NSF GRFP is a highly competitive and prestigious program that provides funding and support to graduate students pursuing research-based degrees in STEM fields. The program aims to promote diversity and innovation in STEM fields and provide a range of professional development opportunities for award winners. Enrolling in the program is a valuable experience that can benefit graduate students in a variety of ways, regardless of the outcome.