MastersFully Funded

NSF GRFP

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The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in STEM or STEM education. This support includes an annual stipend and a cost-of-education allowance towards tuition and fees. The program aims to ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. MIT currently has over 600 students participating in the program.

Provider: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Host country: United States
Deadline: November 10 (Mon): Life Sciences; November 12 (Wed): Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning; November 13 (Thu): Engineering; November 14 (Fri): Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Students must have completed LESS than one academic year completed in their degree program. The major field of study selected must align with the name of the home department at MIT.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: November 10 (Mon): Life Sciences; November 12 (Wed): Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning; November 13 (Thu): Engineering; November 14 (Fri): Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

Key eligibility criteria

Students must have completed LESS than one academic year completed in their degree program. The major field of study selected must align with the name of the home department at MIT.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the NSF GRFP (2026)

## National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) ### Overview The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is a prestigious award designed to support outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based master's or doctoral degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, or in STEM education. The primary goal of the GRFP is to bolster the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce in the United States. NSF actively encourages applications from a diverse range of talented individuals. Fellows are expected to become experts who will contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. MIT currently boasts over 600 students participating in this program, highlighting its significance and reach within the institution. ### Benefits The NSF GRFP provides substantial financial support for eligible students. The fellowship is a five-year award, with three years designated as "On Tenure" status, during which fellows receive direct financial assistance. This includes a generous annual stipend of $37,000. In addition to the stipend, the fellowship offers a Cost-of-Education (COE) allowance of $16,000, which is intended to cover tuition and fees. For students at MIT, the university is committed to supplementing any shortfalls in tuition, stipend, health insurance, and mandatory fees, ensuring comprehensive coverage during the "On Tenure" period. It is important to note that students are responsible for securing their own funding for the remaining two years of the fellowship, designated as "On Reserve" status. ### Eligibility To be eligible for the NSF GRFP, prospective applicants must meet specific criteria as detailed in the Program Solicitation and through the NSF GRFP Eligibility Questionnaire. A significant recent change to the eligibility requirements states that students must have completed **less than one academic year** in their degree program. When applying, it is crucial that the major field of study selected aligns accurately with the applicant’s home department at MIT. MIT has provided a comprehensive chart outlining suggested NSF GRFP major field selections for each of its departments. If an applicant intends to choose a major field of study that deviates from these suggestions, they are advised to contact grad-fellowships@mit.edu for discussion prior to submitting their application. Applicants should review the NSF GRFP Program Solicitation and complete the Eligibility Questionnaire carefully. ### Required Documents While the specific list of required documents is not fully enumerated on this page, the text explicitly directs applicants to the official NSF GRFP website for comprehensive information regarding submission requirements, formatting guidelines, and access to application modules. Applicants are strongly advised to review the latest solicitation document as well as the NSF GRFP website to ensure adherence to all guidelines and requirements. Additionally, reference letters are a critical component of the application and have an earlier submission deadline than the main application. Applicants and reference letter writers who require accessibility accommodation are encouraged to notify the GRF Operations Center at least three weeks prior to the relevant deadline to facilitate assistance with the submission process. ### How to Apply The application process for the NSF GRFP involves several steps, emphasizing careful review of official materials. Prospective applicants should begin by visiting the main NSF GRFP website to access submission requirements, formatting guidelines, and the application modules themselves. It is imperative to thoroughly review the current program solicitation document to ensure full compliance with all regulations. MIT also provides specific guidance, particularly regarding the selection of a major field of study, urging applicants to consult a provided chart that aligns MIT departments with suggested NSF GRFP fields. For any discrepancies or questions regarding this alignment, applicants should contact grad-fellowships@mit.edu. Reference letters are a required part of the application and must be submitted by a separate, earlier deadline. Accessibility accommodations for both applicants and letter writers can be arranged by contacting the GRF Operations Center in advance. ### Key Dates The application timeline for the NSF GRFP is structured with several important deadlines. The Program Solicitation and application become available online in late July or August. Reference letters are due on **Friday, November 7th, 5 PM EST**. The deadlines for the main application vary by major field of study and are typically in mid to late October for the 2025 application cycle. Specific deadlines for 2025 applications (at 5 PM at your mailing address) include: November 10 (Life Sciences), November 12 (Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning), November 13 (Engineering), and November 14 (Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy). Awards are announced in early April, and the fellowship acceptance deadline is in early May. Applicants should carefully review the dates on the official NSF GRFP website, as there are different deadlines for various fields of study. ### Selection Criteria While the explicit "selection criteria" are not detailed on this specific page, the overall purpose of the NSF GRFP provides significant insight. The program aims to identify and support "outstanding graduate students" whose work is anticipated to "contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering." This suggests that applicants are evaluated on their potential for significant scientific and engineering achievement. The emphasis on research-based master's or doctoral degrees implies that a strong research proposal, academic record, and perhaps letters of recommendation highlighting research potential would be key factors. The program also encourages applications from the "full spectrum of talent," indicating a commitment to diversity in the scientific workforce. Applicants should consult the official NSF GRFP Solicitation document for an exhaustive list of selection criteria. ### Tips Prospective applicants for the NSF GRFP can benefit from several key tips. Firstly, thoroughly review the official NSF GRFP website and the program solicitation document to understand all requirements and guidelines. Pay close attention to the updated eligibility criteria, specifically the requirement of having completed less than one academic year in your degree program. For MIT students, meticulously consult the provided chart to ensure your chosen major field of study aligns with your home department, and if there are any discrepancies, contact grad-fellowships@mit.edu well in advance. Attend the available webinars, especially those targeted at applying NSF GRFP Fellows, for valuable insights and guidance. Participate in the writing workshops, such as the one focusing on "Merit and Impact," to hone your statement writing skills. Remember the separate and earlier deadline for reference letters and communicate this clearly to your recommenders. Start the application process early to allow ample time for preparation and addressing any unforeseen issues. ### Official Source For the most accurate and comprehensive information regarding the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, please refer to the official NSF GRFP website: [https://www.nsfgrfp.org/](https://www.nsfgrfp.org/). Additionally, detailed administrative guides and program solicitations are available on the National Science Foundation website. MIT-specific guidance and resources can be found on the MIT Fellowships website, specifically the page dedicated to the NSF GRFP: [https://oge.mit.edu/fellowships/nsf/](https://oge.mit.edu/fellowships/nsf/). It is highly recommended to consult these official sources directly for all application requirements, deadlines, and eligibility details to ensure a successful application.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

NSF GRFP eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Students must have completed LESS than one academic year completed in their degree program. The major field of study selected must align with the name of the home department at MIT.

NSF GRFP document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the NSF GRFP 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://oge.mit.edu/fellowships/nsf/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Students must have completed LESS than one academic year completed in their degree program. The major field of study selected must align with the name of the home department at MIT.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: November 10 (Mon): Life Sciences; November 12 (Wed): Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning; November 13 (Thu): Engineering; November 14 (Fri): Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

NSF GRFP deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: November 10 (Mon): Life Sciences; November 12 (Wed): Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning; November 13 (Thu): Engineering; November 14 (Fri): Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
November 10 (Mon): Life Sciences; November 12 (Wed): Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning; November 13 (Thu): Engineering; November 14 (Fri): Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy
Provider deadline information: November 10 (Mon): Life Sciences; November 12 (Wed): Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning; November 13 (Thu): Engineering; November 14 (Fri): Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the NSF GRFP?+

Students must have completed LESS than one academic year completed in their degree program. The major field of study selected must align with the name of the home department at MIT.

What funding does the NSF GRFP offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: November 10 (Mon): Life Sciences; November 12 (Wed): Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning; November 13 (Thu): Engineering; November 14 (Fri): Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://oge.mit.edu/fellowships/nsf/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Students must have completed LESS than one academic year completed in their degree program. The major field of study selected must align with the name of the home department at MIT.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: November 10 (Mon): Life Sciences; November 12 (Wed): Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning; November 13 (Thu): Engineering; November 14 (Fri): Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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