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National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) provides successful applicants with three years of funding for a research-based Master’s or PhD program in a field supported by the NSF. This award funds the researcher, not the research project, so it may be used at an accredited U.S. university of the recipient’s choice and provides them with the creative freedom to develop their own research agenda.

 

One’s first and best chance is to apply for the NSF GRFP is at the beginning of their last year as an undergraduate, even if they do not yet know which institution they will be attending for graduate school or who their faculty advisor will be. If this initial attempt is unsuccessful, one may also apply in their first or second year of graduate school and utilize the feedback provided by reviewers at the national level when they do so.

 

UTEP NSF GRFP applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in our virtual “NSF GRFP Summer Boot Camp” advising program. This program is offered via Zoom each summer from late July until the October national deadlines and walks participants through the process of putting together a competitive application. Participants will attend a series of weekly workshops on the individual application components, network with previous UTEP NSF GRFP recipients, and work closely with the Office of Student Fellowships and Awards on proposal development and draft review.

FELLOWSHIP OVERVIEW

A campus nomination is not required for this award, but UTEP NSF GRFP applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in our virtual “NSF GRFP Summer Boot Camp” advising program.

  •  This program is offered via Zoom each summer from late July until the October national deadlines and walks applicants through the process of putting together the strongest application possible.
  • Graduating seniors, recent graduates of a UTEP Bachelor’s program who have not matriculated elsewhere, and graduate students in their first or second year
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Plan to pursue a research-based Master's or PhD in a STEM field funded by the NSF
  • Strong evidence of participation in mentored STEM research

*Those seeking MD or MD-PhD degrees are ineligible, no exceptions

UTEP Office of Student Fellowships and Awards

studentfellowships@utep.edu