About the GRFP
The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S.-based institutions in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines or in STEM education. NSF actively encourages submission of applications from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer, including underrepresented and underserved communities.
NSF GRFP was established to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM. NSF especially encourages applications from undergraduate seniors and bachelor’s degree-holders interested in pursuing research-based graduate study in STEM. First- and second-year graduate students in eligible STEM fields and degree programs are also encouraged to apply.
The Fellowship is competitive, and those planning to apply should devote a sincere effort to their application. See the Applicants section for more information.
The GRFP provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. For each of the three years of support, NSF provides a $37,000 stipend and $16,000 Cost of Education allowance to the graduate degree-granting institution of higher education for each Fellow who uses the support in a fellowship year.
The Graduate Research Fellowship Program History
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is the country’s oldest fellowship program that directly supports graduate students in various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. In March 1951, Alan T. Waterman, the chief scientist at the Office of Naval Research, was appointed by President Truman to become the first Director of the National Science Foundation. Waterman defined the Foundation’s policy role as “one of advocating a research support program, improving government-university relations, and compiling reliable information on scientific research and manpower.” In 1951, Congress appropriated only $151,000 for the agency to start administrative operations. GRFP was established as the first program in the Foundation’s history, with the directive to recruit high-potential individuals early in their careers to pursue graduate research training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In developing the program, graduate school was targeted as the academic level most likely to quickly produce scientists and engineers who could contribute to scientific accomplishments and innovation in the U.S.
Since 1952, NSF has funded over 70,000 Graduate Research Fellowships out of more than 500,000 applicants. Over 40 Fellows have gone on to become Nobel laureates, and more than 400 have become members of the National Academy of Sciences.
Learn more about the history of the National Science Foundation.
Photo of 1951 National Science Board
National Science Board Members, July 1951.
(left to right) First Row: Dr. John W. Davis, Dr. Sophie B. Aberle, Dr. Detlev W. Bronk, Dr. James B. Conant, Dr. Alan T. Waterman, Dr. Gerty T. Cori, The Rev. Patrick H. Yancey
Standing Row: Dr. Marston Morse, Dr. E.C. Stakman, Dr. Chester I. Barnard, Dr. Paul M. Gross, Dr. Frederick A. Middlebush, Dr. Joseph C. Morris, Dr. James A. Reyniers, Dr. O.W. Hyman, Dr. Lee A. DuBridge, Dr. Robert F. Loeb, Dr. Robert P. Barnes, Dr. George D. Humphrey, Dr. A.A. Potter, Mr. Charles Dollard.
Credit: NSF Collection