NSF GRFP Incentive Program

NSF GRFP Incentive Program

Please note: UCI Graduate Division’s NSF GRFP Incentive Program eligibility is separate from NSF GRFP eligibility. Students must meet both NSF GRFP eligibility requirements and UCI Graduate Division incentive award requirements to receive an incentive award.

Eligibility and Procedure:

To qualify for the $500 NSF GRFP submission award, students must:

• Be a current UCI graduate student enrolled full-time, defined as 12 units, and in good academic standing in an eligible Master’s or Ph.D. program;
• Be enrolled in a non-self-supporting graduate program;
• Meet all NSF GRFP eligibility criteria, including NSF requirements related to degree status, field of study, degree program, and proposed research;
• Submit a complete NSF GRFP application by the applicable NSF GRFP deadline; and
• Submit the NSF GRFP Incentive Program form by Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM, including:
  
  • A copy of the final NSF GRFP application; and
  • NSF verification of receipt of the application.

This incentive is only available to eligible UCI graduate students. Undergraduate students are not eligible.

To receive the award, students must be enrolled full-time and in good academic standing both in the term in which the incentive form is submitted and in the term in which the award is disbursed. For example, students who apply for the NSF GRFP and submit the incentive form in Fall 2026 must be enrolled full-time and in good academic standing in Winter 2027 to receive the award.

$1,000 Funding Award

To qualify for the additional $1,000 NSF GRFP funding award, students must:

• Fulfill all criteria for the $500 submission award;
• Receive NSF GRFP funding approval;
• Satisfy all NSF GRFP award requirements; and
• Submit the required form with their NSF notice of award indicating funding approval.

Honorable mentions do not qualify for the $1,000 funding award.

Students who are notified in Spring 2027 that they have been awarded the NSF GRFP should expect to receive the $1,000 incentive award in Fall 2027, provided they meet all eligibility and enrollment requirements at the time of disbursement.

Award Disbursement and Direct Deposit

Incentive awards will be disbursed through the student’s UCI student account in the academic term following submission of the required form, provided the student meets all eligibility requirements at the time of disbursement.

Students who would like to receive the award by direct deposit must set up direct deposit through their student account. Students who do not have direct deposit set up will receive a paper check mailed to the address listed in their student account, which may result in delays. Students who do not enroll in direct deposit should make sure the mailing address in their student account is current and accurate.

Information about setting up direct deposit is available here.

Per federal guidelines, all fellowship and tuition support is considered when determining student loan eligibility. This incentive award could reduce student loan eligibility if the student receives federal student loans during the same academic year as the award. Graduate Division will make the final determination regarding whether a submission qualifies for an incentive award and reserves the right not to issue an award.

Students are responsible for reviewing the current NSF GRFP solicitation and confirming their own NSF eligibility before applying.