National Science Foundation – Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Fellowship details

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Application Status
application status icon
Closed
Deadline
10/11/2024
Amount
3 years of support
Citizenship Requirements
U.S. Citizen
Contact

Overview

The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers fellowships to students in the early stages of pursuing a research based Master’s or Ph.D. degree. The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) affords our nation’s research leaders of tomorrow exceptional funding with three years of graduate support worth thousands of dollars.

IMPORTANT: REFERENCE LETTERS ARE DUE BEFORE APPLICATIONS. SEE DATES BELOW

NEW! INCENTIVE AWARD PROGRAM

Award Information

GRFP Fellows Receive the Following:

Important Dates

October 11, 2024: All REFERENCE LETTERS DUE 5 PM EASTERN TIME

October 15, 2024: Chemistry; Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

October 16, 2024: Life Sciences

October 17, 2024: Engineering

October 18, 2024: Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, STEM Education and Learning

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply for an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship if you:

  • Are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident alien; and
  • Are a graduating senior, or have completed a B.A./B.S. degree, or are in the first year or the first semester of the second year in graduate school at the time of the application deadline; and
  • Did not previously apply to NSF GRFP as a graduate student*; and
  • Are pursuing a research-based master’s or doctoral degree in GRFP-supported disciplines, including: chemistry, computer and information science and engineering, engineering, geosciences, life sciences, mathematics, physics and anatomy, psychology, social sciences and STEM education.
  • Applicants who have completed more than twelve months of graduate study may be considered eligible if they have had an interruption in graduate study of at least two consecutive years prior to August of the year they are applying. To be eligible, applicants must not have attended graduate school for two years prior to August 1 of the year applying. Applicants also cannot be entering a graduate program in the fall of the year they are applying to the NSF GRFP. A statement describing the extenuating circumstance is required in the application.

*Note: Beginning in the 2017 cycle, graduate students only have one opportunity to apply.

Application Process

NSF GRFP Proposals are evaluated on two merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts.

Intellectual Merit

  • Ability to plan and conduct research
  • Excellence when working both independently and on a team
  • Aptitude in interpreting and communicating research findings

Broader Impacts – Activities and projects that:

  • Integrate research and education
  • Communicate your methodology and findings to a diverse audience
  • Encourage diversity and enable full participation
  • Enhance global scientific and technical understanding
  • Benefit society

Contact

For more information about the NSF GRFP and resources available for UCI applicants, please contact:

Kayleigh Anderson-Natale
Postdoctoral and Professional Development Manager
949-824-5196

RESOURCES AT UC IRVINE

Take advantage of the various on-campus resources to assist you as you prepare, write and improve the caliber of your fellowship application. Funding workshops provide students with an overview of the NSF GRFP, writing tips on the application essays, and tips from fellow students and faculty reviewers.  Writing consultants at the Graduate Resource Center assist students in polishing their writing by providing comments and suggestions on grammar and clarity. Some Schools and/or graduate programs provide resources to students applying for the NSF GRFP.

Graduate Division and GPSRC Resources:
  • Summer and Fall quarter workshops at the GPSRC
  • Fellowship Consultations with Fellowship Mentors
  • Fellowship advising with Dr. Kayleigh Anderson (Virtual, or in person [in person available after the start of classes)
  • Fellowship Application Samples: Students may view successful NSF GRFP applications available on ZotPortal (login and sample applications are under “Grad Div Fellowships” portlet, below the weather display)

The GPSRC is located at 3100 Gateway Student Center (The entire 3rd floor). The main stairs that take you to the third floor are at the back of the building, facing Aldrich Park. The elevator is next to the SOAR office. Click here for a map and directions from Ring Road.

Resources and Links

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