National and International Scholarships Office John Martinson Honors College

NSF-GRFP Pre-Advising for Undergraduates

Information Session: March 2026 TBD

Campus Deadline: n/a

Fields of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, including STEM education

Funding for: Up to three-year annual stipend of $37,000 along with a $16,000 cost of education allowance accepted by the institution as payment in lieu of all tuition and mandatory fees for research-based master's and doctoral degrees

Begin Application: Spring Junior year

Website: https://www.nsf.gov/

NOTE: NISO is providing pre-advising for undergraduate students. First year graduate students wishing to apply work directly with the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars Fellowships Office.

Description

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), created in 1952, aims to ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States by supporting individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM, including STEM education. As the oldest graduate fellowship of its kind, the GRFP has a long history of selecting recipients who achieve high levels of success in their future academic and professional careers. The reputation of the GRFP follows recipients and often helps them become life-long leaders that contribute significantly to both scientific innovation and teaching. Past fellows include numerous Nobel Prize winners and members of the National Academy of Sciences.

Eligibility Requirements

As NISO is conducting pre-advising for undergraduates only, this eligibility is narrowed to that group:

  • U.S. citizen, national, or a permanent resident (“green card” holder) at time of application submission
  • Cannot be a current NSF employee
  • Intent to enroll in an eligible research-based master's or doctoral degree program in an eligible field of study in STEM/STEM education
  • At the time of application submission in the fall: must be an undergraduate in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program or bachelor’s degree-holder with NO enrollment in a graduate degree program. NOTE: Individuals enrolled in joint bachelor’s-master’s degree programs are considered graduate students.

Candidate Profile

  • Exceptional academic merit and potential as evidenced by GPA, coursework, awards, etc.
  • Extensive undergraduate research experience
  • Potential to benefit society and achieve specific, desired societal outcomes through STEM research and/or education initiatives

Application Components

  • Three recommendation letters written by individuals who can provide detailed and specific information about how the applicant demonstrates the NSF’s Merit Review Criteria, and potential for success in their graduate education and beyond
  • Applicants must submit the following information through the GRFP Module:
    • Personal Information
    • Level Selection
    • Education, Work and Other Experience
    • Proposed Letter Information
    • Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals and Graduate Research Plan Essays

Application Procedure 

NISO is here to help undergraduate students explore and plan. We will work with students as they explore the NSF-GRFP and consider: why one should apply, potential recommenders, plans for graduate study/research, how to write a cohesive and persuasive personal narrative, what “broader impacts” means to the NSF, who can help you write and revise your application materials. 

Application writing guidance and resources for Purdue NSF-GRFP applicants, undergraduate and graduate students, is offered through the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars Fellowships Office. Workshops generally commence in June/July and NISO will connect students in our pre-advising cohort to these once available for a given application year.