NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Overview

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes outstanding domestic STEM students pursuing a research-based Master's or PhD at a U.S. institution. This prestigious and highly competitive fellowship provides a $34,000 stipend for three years, as well as other benefits. Students may apply when they are applying to graduate school for the following year (as a senior or post-baccalaureate) or after they have enrolled in a graduate program (in either their first or second year).

Eligibility

To be eligible for the NSF GRFP, you must:

• be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
• intend to pursue a research-based master's or Ph.D. program in an NSF-supported field (see list of qualifying fields/subfields here)
• enroll in an eligible program at an accredited U.S. institution in Fall 2021

Please read the official program solicitation for additional details on eligibility.

Key Benefits

The fellowship includes a $34,000-per-year stipend for three years. Additionally, each fellow receives a tuition scholarship via a cost-of-education allowance that is awarded to the graduate institution. After a year of graduate study, fellows become eligible to apply for international research funding support through Graduate Research Opportunities Worldwide (GROW) and Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP). Access to supercomputing resources, supplemental funding for researchers with disabilities, and a provision for family medical leave are also offered. Fellows are free to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education they choose.

Additional Benefits for Binghamton University Graduate Students

Presidential Distinguished Student Research Award
In recognition of their research excellence, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship recipients who attend graduate school at Binghamton University receive an additional $10,000 stipend during their first year of study. Funded through the University Road Map, this supplement is paid as a bi-weekly supplement, typically starting in the fall. Questions about this supplement can be directed to Gretchen Mahler, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and our NSF GRFP Coordinating Official.

 SUNY Chancellor’s Graduate Research Scholarship
Additionally, graduate students attending any SUNY graduate program (including Binghamton) who either win or receive honorable mention for the GRFP will automatically receive an additional $5,000 at the end of their first year for research, travel, professional development or living expenses. This award, supported by the SUNY Chancellor's Office, also recognizes students who receive other national-level graduate research fellowships, including those offered by the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and National Intitutes of Health.

For more information, contact Kevin Boettcher in the Office of Strategic Research Initiatives.

Workshop Series for Fall 2020

(Binghamton University Google account required to access recordings and workshop slides)

SESSION 1
Plan to Win: What It Takes to Win an NSF Grad Fellowship (September 10)
Webinar recording
Workshop slides

SESSION 2
A Curious Mind: Research Statements & Support Letters (September 17)
Webinar recording
Workshop slides

SESSION 3
Past, Present, Future: Writing a Compelling Personal Statement
September 24
12-1 p.m.
https://binghamton.zoom.us/j/98383809038

SESSION 4
Revision Strategies & Follow-up Questions
October 1
12-1 p.m.
https://binghamton.zoom.us/j/97012007334

 

Consulting Hours

The workshop coordinator, Dr. Kevin Boettcher, is also available to meet with students individually to review drafts of their research or personal statements. He is offering 30-minute time slots from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, by appointment. Due to demand, students are asked to only sign up for one appointment slot (you may be able to meet more than once depending on scheduling). You will be asked to share a copy of your draft prior to the meeting, though these can be rough or early drafts. Additional times or dates may be added in late September and early October.

Sign up for one-on-one consultations

 rESOURCES

Broader Impacts of Your Proposal

Graduate Research Worksheet
Resources for NSF GRFP Applications

 

 RECENT WINNERS

Binghamton graduate student Claire Foster's research focuses on the link between maternal depression and infants' emotional behavior. Read more about her.

 

Binghamton graduate student Grascen Shidemantle's research addresses how human activity and pollution affects amphibians. Read more about her.