NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Eligibility:

• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident 
• Degree Level: NSF-GRFP has unique requirements, check out the Canvas course for more info.
• Employment: Not be a current NSF employee
• Fellowship Requirements: Have never previously accepted a GRFP award; 
  • If previously offered a GRFP award, have declined by the deadline; 
  • Have never previously applied to GRFP while enrolled in a graduate degree program 

Application Deadlines

• National Deadline: Deadlines vary by field of study.  See the NSF website for specific deadlines.
• Endorsement: NSF-GRFP does not require institutional endorsement; students may apply directly to this program. 

Prospective Applicants

Prospective applicants are encouraged to join the U-M NSF GRFP Canvas course for an overview of the application, program requirements, additional advising information, and more. Please note, ONSF does not offer individual advising for NSF-GRFP applicants. The NSF-GRFP website will have the most up to date information.

Resources for Applicants:

• Check out Alex Lang's website which has a number of examples in different fields
• Robin Walker (University of Missouri) tip sheet for applicants
• ONSF maintains a Canvas course with lists of current NSF Grad Fellows in various departments and sample application essays. 

Application Summary

• Applicants apply directly through www.fastlane.nsf.gov 
• The application includes a personal statement and resume items, a proposed graduate research plan, and three letters of recommendation from faculty in their proposed field of study and/or research supervisors. 
  • As you ask for letters, be sure to include this link to NSF-GRFP advice to letter writers.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to work closely with faculty in their own departments in the completion of the application.  

Applicant Levels & Degree Requirements

• Applicants must intend to enroll or be enrolled full-time in a research-based graduate degree program in an eligible Field of Study.
  • Intend to enroll or be enrolled full-time in a research-based graduate degree program in an eligible Field of Study; 
    
  • Have never earned a master's, professional, or bachelor's-master's degree in any field, unless (i) returning to graduate study after an interruption of two (2) or more consecutive years immediately preceding the deadline, and; (ii) are not enrolled in a graduate degree program at the application deadline; 
    
  • Have never earned a doctoral or terminal degree in any field.

Number of Times Individuals May Apply:

• Undergraduate seniors and bachelor's degree holders: may apply before enrolling in a degree-granting graduate program.
  
• Graduate students enrolled in a degree-granting graduate program: only one application to the GRFP, submitted in the first year or at the beginning of the second year of their degree program.
• Individuals pursuing a master's degree simultaneously with the bachelor's degree (joint bachelor's-master's degree): must have completed three (3) years in the joint program and are limited to one application to GRFP; they will not be eligible to apply again as a doctoral degree student. 
• Again, it is important you review the NSF-GRFP website if you have any questions about eligibility.