This u.s. scholarship from U.S. National Science Foundation is currently accepting applications. The NSF GRFP is the nation’s oldest graduate fellowship program, supporting outstanding students pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in NSF-supported STEM fields at accredited U.S. institutions. Awardees receive three years of financial support within a five-year fellowship period, including an annual stipend and a cost-of-education allowance paid to the institution. Applications for the 2027 competition are submitted through Research.gov with field-specific deadlines in October 2026. The application deadline is October 19, 2026 (48 days remaining), so plan your submission accordingly. Below, we cover the full u.s. scholarship details, how to apply step by step, and whether this award is worth your time.
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U.S. Scholarship Details
Here is a complete breakdown of this u.s. scholarship so you can see exactly what is being offered:
| Organization | U.S. National Science Foundation |
| Award | $159000 |
| Deadline | October 19, 2026 (48 days remaining) |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; pursuing or planning to pursue a research-based master’s or doctoral degree in an NSF-supported STEM or STEM education field; enrolled in no more than one academic year of graduate study (or a college senior/bachelor’s degree holder not currently enrolled); may apply only once as a graduate student |
| How to Apply | Online application via Research.gov — personal statement, graduate research plan statement, transcripts, and three reference letters (references due October 16, 2026) |
Scholarship details are based on the information available at the time of posting. Organizations may adjust the award amount, update eligibility criteria, or change the application deadline without advance notice. We recommend visiting the official page to confirm the current terms before you begin your application.
How to Apply for This U.S. Scholarship
Follow these steps to submit your application for the U.S. National Science Foundation NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) — 2027 Competition. Take your time with each step to make sure nothing is missed:
- Step 1: Online application via Research
- Step 2: Gov — personal statement
- Step 3: Graduate research plan statement
- Step 4: Transcripts
- Step 5: Three reference letters (references due October 16
Make sure to complete every required component of the application. Incomplete submissions are one of the most common reasons students are disqualified from consideration. If the application requires essays, letters of recommendation, or transcripts, give yourself enough lead time to gather those materials well before the deadline.
We also recommend saving a copy or screenshot of your completed application before you submit. If there is a technical issue during submission or you need to reference your answers later, having a backup copy can save you a significant amount of time and stress.
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Is This U.S. Scholarship Worth It?
This u.s. scholarship offers $159000 in financial aid, which can make a meaningful difference in covering tuition, textbooks, housing, or other education-related expenses. Even if the award does not cover your full costs, every dollar in scholarship money is a dollar you do not have to borrow — and unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid.
Before applying, consider how well you match the eligibility requirements. Scholarships with narrower eligibility criteria — such as those targeting a specific major, demographic, or geographic region — often receive fewer applications, which can improve your odds of winning. If you meet the requirements listed above, this u.s. scholarship is worth the effort to apply.
Keep in mind that most scholarships are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses like tuition and required fees. However, amounts used for room and board or other non-qualified expenses may be taxable. If you receive a large award, consult a tax professional or your school’s financial aid office to understand how it affects your overall financial aid package and tax situation.
For more information on financial aid and scholarships, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
If this scholarship is not the right fit, there are plenty more to explore. Browse our full list of active scholarships to compare awards and find opportunities that match your profile. We update our listings daily so you always have access to the latest verified scholarships.
Scholarship information is subject to change. Details reflect what was available at the time of posting. Always verify requirements on the official scholarship page before applying.