National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)

Each year Princeton graduate students across diverse fields of study are selected for the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

The NSF GRFP is a five-year award which provides three years of funding. This offers flexibility, enabling fellows to select funding periods and status options aligned to their research, teaching, and professional development goals. 

  • Duration: 36 months of funding. Fellows may elect an on reserve (non-funded) status for two of the five years. 
  • Tenure: Each fellowship year is 12 months and is defined by NSF as beginning either summer or fall. Summer tenure is effective June 1 to May 31, and fall tenure is effective August 1 to July 31.
  • Amount awarded: Each 12-month fellowship year provides a $37,000 stipend for the student and a $12,000 Cost of Education (COE) allowance awarded to the institution. These funds are remitted to and administered by Princeton. The Graduate School provides full tuition for GRFP awardees while on funding from the NSF Fellowship.
  • Important guidance: The GRFP offers key information to assist Fellows in understanding the benefits and requirements of the award in the current Administrative Guide

NSF GRFP Coordination with University Funding

NSF GRFP Reporting

GRFP Tenure Planning Considerations

Related Article

  • Acknowledgement of NSF Grant Number for NSF GRFP Awardees: KB0013612