International Students: Nsf Application Eligibility

can international students apply for nsf

The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers a variety of funding opportunities for students, including grants, fellowships, and internships. While NSF funding is typically restricted to US citizens and permanent residents, there are some opportunities for international students to receive funding through the NSF. International students can participate as unfunded trainees in the NRT program, and they can also be paid through regular research grants awarded to the Principal Investigator (PI). Additionally, the NSF's International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program offers international research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, although it is not clear whether international students are eligible to apply. Overall, while international students may face more limited funding options, there are still opportunities for funding through the NSF and other external sources.

Characteristics Values
International students' eligibility for NSF fellowships Ineligible
International students' eligibility for NSF-funded projects Eligible
International students' eligibility for NSF's NRT program Eligible as unfunded trainees
International students' eligibility for NSF's IRES program Ineligible
International students' eligibility for NSF's Graduate Research Fellowship Program Ineligible
International students' eligibility for NSF's Summer Scholars Internship Program Ineligible

shunstudent

International students are not eligible for NSF fellowships

International students are not eligible for most fellowships, including those offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF). While the NSF offers a range of funding opportunities for graduate students, its fellowships are typically restricted to US citizens or permanent residents. This includes the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), which is a five-year fellowship providing financial support for students pursuing research-based master's or doctoral degrees in STEM. The NSF also offers postdoctoral research fellowships for recent PhD graduates, which are open to US citizens, nationals, and permanent residents.

The NSF's International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program, which focuses on international research and research-related activities, is another opportunity for students. While international students cannot receive funding through the IRES program, they can participate as “non-NSF-funded collaborators." The program contributes to the development of a diverse and globally engaged US STEM workforce by providing international research experiences for cohorts of US students.

While international students may not be eligible for NSF fellowships, there are still funding options available to them. For example, international students can apply for dissertation research grants, such as the NSF-Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant, SSRC International Dissertation Research Fellowship, and the Wenner-Gren Dissertation Fieldwork Grant. Additionally, international students can participate in the NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program as unfunded trainees and can apply for internships through the NSF's Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) program.

It is important for international students to start planning their funding timeline early, as they have a limited number of awards to apply for. By starting early, students can identify funders and work on their applications to increase their chances of securing funding. While it may be challenging for international students to find funding opportunities, it is not impossible, and there are resources available to help them navigate the process.

shunstudent

International students can participate as unfunded trainees in the NRT program

International students are not eligible for the NSF fellowships. However, they can participate as unfunded trainees in the NRT program. The NRT program is a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship that aims to train the next generation of scientists and leaders who can help build resilient communities. The program focuses on research within an integrated and multidisciplinary framework to understand, predict, and communicate the resilience of natural, social, and built environmental systems.

International students can fully participate in any NRT program elements, including courses, workshops, and internships. However, NRT stipends are restricted to US citizens, nationals, and permanent residents. To be eligible for the NRT program, participants must be enrolled in research-based master's or doctoral degree programs. International students must contact researchers with NRT funding for information and application materials.

The NRT program includes various courses, such as a course on resilience and social vulnerability, science communication, and a studio course that addresses real-world problems. In addition, trainees will have the opportunity to take on a summer internship and participate in workshops focused on structured decision-making approaches.

While international students cannot receive funding from the NSF for their participation, they can still benefit from the educational and professional development opportunities provided by the NRT program. It is important to note that international partners cannot be sub-awardees, and funds for their participation must be drawn from non-NSF sources.

shunstudent

International students can be paid through regular research grants awarded to the PI

International students are generally not eligible for personal federal fellowships, such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program. However, they can be paid through regular research grants awarded to the Principal Investigator (PI). This is a common source of pressure for PIs, who have to secure funding for already enrolled students as well as future students. If a PI is unable to secure funding through research grants, they may turn to institutional fellowships, industry funding, teaching assistantships, or other sources.

International students can also participate in the NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) Program as unfunded trainees. They must be enrolled in research-based master's or doctoral degree programs and can be paid through regular research grants awarded to the PI. Students must contact researchers with NRT funding for information and application materials.

International students can also apply for major dissertation research grants, such as the NSF-Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant, SSRC International Dissertation Research Fellowship, and the Wenner-Gren Dissertation Fieldwork Grant. They can also apply for the NSF's Mathematical Sciences Graduate Internship Program, which supports summer research internships for doctoral students in the mathematical sciences.

International students should not be discouraged by their eligibility status and should start planning their funding timeline as early as possible. They can also reach out to fellow international students in their program and consult their advisor for guidance on funding opportunities.

shunstudent

NSF's IRES program offers international research opportunities to students

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program offers international research opportunities to US science and engineering students. The program aims to develop a diverse and globally competitive workforce with world-class skills. It supports active research participation by undergraduate and graduate students in high-quality international research, education, and professional development experiences in NSF-funded research areas.

The IRES program provides three mechanisms to support US students in conducting excellent research and engaging in high-quality research-related activities abroad, in collaboration with foreign investigators. These projects contribute to the development of a globally competitive and diverse scientific workforce, enhancing US leadership in research and education.

IRES projects typically last three years, although longer projects of up to five years are also considered. The program offers approximately 12-25 awards per year, with a maximum allowable budget of $150,000 per year, per project.

Students interested in participating in IRES activities do not apply directly to the NSF. Instead, they apply to NSF-funded investigators who receive IRES awards. These investigators must be from US-based organizations, while personnel from international partners are listed as "non-NSF-funded collaborators."

While the IRES program offers valuable international research opportunities, it is important to note that it is primarily targeted at US citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. International students are generally not eligible for NSF fellowships and must explore alternative options, such as university-specific fellowships or tri-council CGS/PGS awards.

shunstudent

NSF's Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) program

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) program offers graduate students experiential learning opportunities through research internships in non-academic settings. The program aims to provide students with the core professional competencies and skills necessary for careers in any sector of the U.S. economy.

The INTERN program offers students complementary, non-academic training and professional development experiences, preparing them for multiple career pathways. It encourages the participation of a diverse talent pool in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program provides funding of up to $55,000 to support travel, tuition, health insurance, stipends, additional stipends, and other costs.

NSF-AFRL INTERN, for instance, supports the training of graduate students in biomedical engineering, while also meeting the strategic workforce development objectives of both NSF and AFRL. GeoHealth INTERN offers six-month internships with public health or medical professionals, focusing on the linkage between human health and the environment. NSF-NIH INTERN provides non-academic research internships in forensic science and criminal justice contexts.

The INTERN program also includes collaboration with NOAA, where graduate students are exposed to the federal workplace and receive career mentoring through research experiences. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one academic year in their graduate programs and be making satisfactory progress towards their degrees.

Students applying to the INTERN program submit a short supplemental funding request to NSF, including a description of the internship and a statement on how it will better prepare them for the workforce.

Frequently asked questions

No, international students are generally not eligible for personal federal fellowships such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

International students can participate as unfunded trainees. However, only citizens, nationals, and permanent residents of the United States are eligible to participate as funded trainees.

No, only graduate students and undergraduates who are citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States are eligible to apply for this program.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment