Fellowships

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Is it for you?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) offers three years of support for advanced study in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, and behavioral and social sciences, including the history of science and the philosophy of science, and to research-based Ph.D. degrees in science education at accredited U.S. institutions.

Awards carry an annual $37,000 stipend, plus a cost-of-education allowance payable to the Fellow’s institution in lieu of tuition and fees. Fellows may also apply for additional support to participate in international opportunities; enhanced access to cyber-infrastructure resources, including supercomputing time, is provided. All awards are for a maximum of three years, usable over a five-year period.

What are the key dates?

Personal Statement Workshops: 

Deadlines for NFP draft review:

  • Monday, September 16
  • Monday, September 30

Applicants are welcome to submit one draft of their personal statement for feedback from an NFP advisor. We offer two deadlines to accommodate those who wish to receive feedback earlier and for those who would prefer to submit closer to their final deadline in mid-October. September and early October are by far our busiest times of year, so we ask applicants to anticipate that it may take us a week or more to return drafts with feedback and to plan accordingly.

Draft submission is via Canvas. Please send us an email to request access in the late summer/early fall (the course goes offline for updates between cycles). The Canvas site contains additional resources for applicants, including sample essays and writing advice.

Official Deadlines (received by 5 p.m. local time of applicant’s mailing address):

  • October 15, 2024 – Chemistry; Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy
  • October 16, 2024 – Life Sciences
  • October 17, 2024 – Engineering
  • October 18, 2024 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, STEM Education and Learning

***Reference letters are due October 11 at 5:00 pm ET***

Are you eligible?

Candidates for the NSF GRFP must:

  • be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.
  • be college seniors, first-year graduate students, or others who have completed limited graduate study in science, mathematics, or engineering.
  • select a field of graduate study leading to a research-based master’s and/or doctoral degree in the fields of science, engineering, and education within the NSF’s mission.*
  • be accepted to an NSF-approved graduate degree program at the time of fellowship acceptance (typically May) and enrolled by the following fall.
  • Please note: Beginning with the 2017 cycle (i.e. applications in Fall 2016), graduate students may only apply once, either in their first year of graduate study or in their second — not both. This change does not affect graduating seniors. As of the 2019 cycle, students in joint bachelor’s-master’s degree programs are considered graduate students under this policy.

*These fields fall broadly within the following disciplines: chemistry, computer and information science and engineering, engineering, geosciences, life sciences, materials research, mathematical sciences, physics and astronomy, psychology, social sciences, STEM education and learning research. See the “Appendix” in the Program Solicitation for a complete list of eligible fields and sub-fields (please note: certain areas of research for which the goals are “directly health-related” are ineligible – please read the eligibility criteria carefully, especially section 3. Field of Study, Degree Programs, and Proposed Research).

How do you work with the NFP?

JHU nomination is not required for the NSF GRFP. Applicants submit their own materials to the NSF portal, though NFP staff can offer feedback on a personal statement draft that is submitted by one of the draft review deadlines noted above. Draft submission is via Canvas; to be added to the NSF GRFP applicants’ site, please reach out to us in the late summer or early fall of 2024.  

The timeline gives an overview of the application process and when to reach out to us. In preparation, see “have a closer look” below for more resources about the NSF GRFP.

early September –
mid-October
Attend a writing workshop or watch the online version
by late SeptemberSubmit draft of personal statement to NFP for feedback
October Continue working on application materials
late OctoberMeet the NSF GRFP official deadline designated for your field of study

Are you competitive?

About 2,000-2,500 fellowships are awarded each year pending the availability of funds. Selection decisions are based on the following criteria:

  • Academic merit: Transcripts of all institutions listed on the GRFP application will be evaluated and must be uploaded electronically. See the instructions on the application for specifications related to transcripts. The NSF no longer accepts GRE scores as part of the GRFP application.
  • Intellectual Merit and Broader Impact of the project: The NSF treats both concepts expansively and evaluates all three essays according to how they meet these criteria. Examples of “Intellectual Merit” include the importance of the project to advancing knowledge and understanding within its field; the qualifications of the proposer; the feasibility of the project, access to resources, and appropriateness of the choice of institution where the research will be conducted; and the extent to which the project suggests and explores creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts. Examples of “Broader Impact” include the integration of research and education; the extent to which the project would broaden participation and enhance diversity in NSF programs; whether the project would enhance technological infrastructure for research and education; and the extent to which the project would represent a service to society.
  • Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement: In this three-page essay, describe any personal, professional, or educational experiences or situations that have prepared you or contributed to your desire to pursue advanced study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. How have these experiences prepared you to contribute to scientific understanding and teaching?
  • Graduate Research Plan Statement: In a two-page essay, present a clear, concise description of your proposed plan of study or research for the period covered by the fellowship. Your statement should demonstrate your understanding of research design and methodology, and explain any relationships with your previous research.
  • Three letters of recommendation: Scientists or faculty members who have current knowledge of your academic and/or professional experience are asked to rank your ability in the following areas: knowledge in chosen field, motivation, perseverance toward educational goals, ability to work independently, ability to work as a member of a research team, ability to plan and conduct research, imagination and creativity, and overall scientific ability.
  • Diversity: Underrepresented populations, including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Have a closer look:

Visit the Official Website

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

NSF Application Overview Presentation

Hear from JHU Recipients

HUB articles about 2023 NSF Graduate Research Fellows

HUB article about 2021 NSF Graduate Research Fellows

HUB article about 2020 NSF Graduate Research Fellows

HUB article about 2017 NSF Graduate Research Fellows

HUB article about 2016 NSF Graduate Research Fellows

Start Your Application

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Application Portal