NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program 2027

For students preparing for a research-based graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, NSF’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program is a federal opportunity that requires careful planning: in 2027, reference letters are due before the application. NSF sets October 16, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern as the letter deadline.

The application deadline depends on the selected major field: Life Sciences is due October 19; computer and information science, materials, psychology, and social sciences on October 20; engineering on October 22; and chemistry, geosciences, mathematics, physics, and astronomy on October 23. All close at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. NSF says it will not review a late submission, even one seconds past the deadline.

The fellowship provides five years of award tenure with three years of financial support: an annual $37,000 stipend and a $16,000 cost-of-education payment to the institution, totaling $53,000 in each funded year. NSF says the education allowance covers tuition and mandatory fees and there is no post-graduate service requirement. Funding is not paid for all five years.

Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who intend to pursue research-based graduate study in an eligible field. Exclusions include people who already hold a master’s or doctoral degree, those with more than one year in a graduate program, and professional degrees such as medicine or law. Two reference letters must arrive for an application to be reviewed; GRE scores are not required. Review the funding notice before selecting a field.

Official program information and application