Summary

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is a fellowship awarded to first and second year research-based Master’s and PhD students in STEM fields. The fellowship’s purpose is “to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States”. The fellowship is limited to US citizens, and leans in favor of women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans. Roughly 2000 new awards are granted annually, with funding lasting for three years.

Funding

• $34,000/year - stipend to the Fellow
• $12,000/year - cost-of-education allowance to institution

The best part:

During receipt of the fellowship support, the institution is required to exempt Fellows from paying tuition and fees normally charged to students of similar academic standing, unless such charges are optional or are refundable (i.e., the institution is responsible for tuition and required fees in excess of the cost-of-education allowance).

Applying

• Deadline: late October
• Application Materials:
  • Online form
  • Personal Statement essay
  • Research Proposal essay
  • 3 letters of recommendation