NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship provides three years of financial support for graduate students in STEM fields, including an annual stipend and tuition allowance.
Award Amount
$34,000–$37,000
per year
Deadline
October 21
application due
GPA Required
3.50
minimum
Field of Study
STEM
eligible majors
Eligibility Checker
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Requirements Checklist
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Scholarship Value Calculator
Annual Value
$37,000
per year
4-Year Total Value
$148,000
if renewed each year
Loan Interest Saved
$51,800
at 6.5% over 10 years
Pro tip: Every dollar in scholarship funding saves roughly $1.35 compared to borrowing the same amount through student loans at 6.5% interest over a 10-year repayment period.
Eligibility Details
| Eligibility | Students pursuing STEM degrees with minimum 3.5 GPA |
| Demographics | STEM students |
| Field of Study | STEM |
| Type | merit based |
| Renewable | Yes — renewable annually |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship worth?
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship provides $34,000 to $37,000 per year. It is renewable, meaning you can receive it for up to 4 years of study, totaling up to $148,000.
What GPA do I need for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship?
You need a minimum GPA of 3.50 to be eligible for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Maintaining or exceeding this GPA is typically required for renewal.
When is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship deadline?
The application deadline for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship is October 21. We recommend starting your application at least one month before the deadline to ensure all materials are complete and submitted on time.
Who is eligible for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship?
Students pursuing STEM degrees with minimum 3.5 GPA. The scholarship is categorized under STEM and is available to stem students.
Is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship renewable?
Yes, the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship is renewable. You can receive it each year as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including maintaining the required GPA and enrollment status.
How do I apply for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship?
To apply for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements and submit the required application materials, which typically include: Minimum 3.5 GPA, Pursuing STEM degree, Strong academic record, Research experience or interest. Visit the official application portal for complete instructions.
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Methodology & Scholarship Data Sources
How we compile NSF Graduate Research Fellowship scholarship data: Our scholarship database integrates official data from federal financial aid sources, higher education research, and direct program documentation. Scholarship terms, amounts, and deadlines are verified against official program websites.
- Scholarship award data verified against official program documentation and Federal Student Aid scholarship guidance.
- Eligibility requirements cross-referenced with NCES Digest of Education Statistics for GPA distributions and enrollment data by institution type.
- Financial need assessment methodology aligned with Federal Student Aid aid calculation (SAI under FAFSA Simplification Act 2024).
- Award maximization strategy based on College Scorecard data on average institutional grant aid and net price by family income bracket.
- Tax implications of scholarship awards referenced from IRS Tax Topic 421 — Scholarships, Fellowship Grants and Other Education Grants.
Authoritative scholarship and financial aid sources:
- Federal Student Aid (StudentAid.gov) — official FAFSA, grants, and loan information
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — net price and aid data by institution
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — institutional financial aid statistics
- IRS Topic 421 — Scholarship Tax Rules — taxability of scholarship awards
- Federal Student Aid — Scholarship Resources — avoiding scholarship scams
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — enrollment and aid distribution data
Scholarship Disclaimer: Scholarship terms, amounts, deadlines, and eligibility requirements change annually. Always verify current program details directly with the awarding organization before applying. Award amounts shown reflect typical annual figures; actual awards may vary. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee scholarship eligibility or award.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · Verified against official program sources and Federal Student Aid data
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