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Resources for writing proposals for the National Science Foundation.

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) from the National Science Foundation supports outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The oldest graduate fellowship of its kind, the GRFP selects students with the highest levels of success in their studies and the highest likelihoods of success in their professional careers. A stepping stone to future opportunities, the reputation of a Graduate Research Fellowship from the NSF follows recipients and can help them become leaders who make significant scientific and teaching contributions. Past fellows include Nobel Prize winner and former US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Google founder Sergey Brin, and Freakonomics co-author Steven Levitt.

Graduate Research Fellowships provide recipients a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 and a cost-of-education allowance of $12,000, as well as access to professional development opportunities unique to NSF-supported graduate students. Fellows are anticipated to become knowledge experts who will be crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation’s technological infrastructure, national security, and international economic well-being.

NSF general resources

  • Grant proposal guide
    • From the National Science Foundation [NSF 1-11]; effective January 2011.
    • Detailed guide to the rules, policies, and procedures for NSF grants.
  • Guide for proposal writing
    • Advice for proposal writers on the process of applying for an NSF grant.

NSF graduate research fellowship resources

Eligibility quiz: Note this eligibility questionnaire is provided as a tool to assist potential applicants for the NSF GRFP. The information contained in this questionnaire is based on the official eligibility information in the NSF GRFP Program Solicitation but is not an official determination of an individual’s eligibility.

Application Deadlines

How to apply

All applications are due at 5:00 PM Local Time of Mailing Address.

  • Oct. 17, 2022 – Life Sciences
  • Oct. 18, 2022 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Materials Research, Psychology, Social Sciences, STEM Education and Learning
  • Oct. 20, 2022 – Engineering
  • Oct. 21, 2022 – Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy

Reference Letter Deadline

  • Oct. 28, 2022 – 5:00 PM ET

Upcoming Events

  • Aug. 31, 2022 – 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM ET
    Info for Applicants Webinar 1
  • Sept. 21, 2022 – 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM ET
    Info for Applicants Webinar 2
  • Sept. 28, 2022 – 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM ET
    Reading the Fine Points of the GRFP Solicitation Webinar