National Science Foundation Graduate Student Fellowship Programs (NSF GRFP and CSGrad4US)

Each year Princeton graduate students across diverse fields of study are selected for prestigious National Science Foundation Fellowship Programs, including the Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program (CSGrad4US).

Both the NSF GRFP and CSGrad4US offer a five-year award which provides three years of funding. This award structure provides 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 here at Princeton is effective June 1 to May 31, and fall tenure is effective August 1 to July 31 to align with our academic calendar.
  • Amount awarded: Each 12-month fellowship year provides a $37,000 stipend for the student and a $16,000 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 awardees while on funding from the NSF Fellowship.
  • Important guidance: Key information to assist Fellows in understanding the benefits and requirements of their award is available in the current Administrative Guides: GRFP Administrative Guide, CSGrad4US Administrative Guide.

Coordination with University Funding

Annual Reporting

Tenure Planning & Considerations

Related Article

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