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The National Science Foundation offers a Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) that supports basic research in science, math and engineering disciplines. These competitive and prestigious fellowships are supported by Congress and the America Competes Act.

Students who have completed less than 1 year of graduate study are eligible to apply.

Benefits to Recipients

  • A stipend of $32,000 a year, payable in monthly increments. Funding is provided for a maximum of 3 years within a 5-year period.
  • Tuition expenses fully paid by the NSF and the university.
  • Access to supercomputing resources, through the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE).
  • Excellent networking and career-building opportunities.

Expectations of Recipients

  • Be enrolled in a research-focused, qualified Master’s or Ph.D. graduate program.
  • Conduct the supported research 100% full-time.
  • Prepare an Annual Activities Report that summarizes and details research activities, accomplishments and productivity at the end of each fellowship year.
  • Receive and complete training in ethical research methods. UNT students can fulfill this requirement online by completing the Responsible Conduct of Research module of the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative, available at www.citiprogram.org. (View instructions on logging into CITI.)

Preparing to Apply

  • Be sure you are eligible for this program. Review the eligibility guidelines.
  • Familiarize yourself with all the NSF GRFP application instructions and deadlines. Requirements include 3 essays, 3 reference letters, and academic transcripts.
  • Notify Dr. Joseph Oppong, Associate Dean of Research and Development and Dr. James Duban, Office for Nationally Competitive Scholarships of your intention to apply. They will provide resources and help you assemble a pre-submission review “panel” to polish your application.
  • Create an account in FastLane, where you will submit application materials online.
  • Request detailed recommendations from your graduate advisor and 2 other referees. At least 2 weeks before the recommendations are due, give each referee a copy of your CV, draft essays, solicitation for the NSF GRF, and cover letter. Tell them how to access FastLane, where they will submit the recommendations.

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