
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) supports outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time research-based masters and doctoral degrees in STEM fields. However, NSF fellowships are only available to US citizens, and international students are generally not eligible. While there may be other fellowship opportunities for international students offered by universities or external organizations, it is important to note that the NSF fellowships are restricted to US citizens and permanent residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Open to international students? | No, NSF fellowships are not open to international students who are not US permanent residents. |
| Alternatives for international students | Intel PhD Fellowship Program, Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust, Qualcomm Innovation Fellowships, Roberto Rocca Education Program Fellowship, American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Foundation Grants, American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) - Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship, National Federation of the Blind Scholarship |
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What You'll Learn

NSF fellowships are only for US citizens
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is a competitive fellowship programme that supports outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time, research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or STEM education. The programme aims to ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce in the United States.
However, it is important to note that NSF fellowships are only available to US citizens. International students who are not US permanent residents are ineligible for these fellowships. This restriction applies to the majority of fellowship opportunities, leaving international students with limited options for funding their graduate studies in the United States.
While international students are not eligible for NSF fellowships, there are alternative funding opportunities available. For instance, international students pursuing PhDs can explore the tri-council CGS/PGS awards, which are open to international candidates. Additionally, some universities offer internal fellowships that international students may apply for directly or through their graduate programme.
It is worth noting that the NSF has implemented research security policies that include a prohibition on Confucius Institutes and requirements for research security training and annual certification for the Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program. These policies may impact the eligibility and requirements for NSF-funded fellowships and grants.
In summary, while the NSF fellowships are exclusively for US citizens, international students can explore alternative funding opportunities, such as university-specific fellowships and external awards, to support their graduate studies in the United States.
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International students are kept out of most fellowships
International students are largely excluded from most fellowships, including the NSF fellowship. This is a common issue, with one student commenting that 99.99% of fellowships are closed to non-US citizens. The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is reserved for US citizens pursuing full-time, research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, maths, or STEM education. The program aims to ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the US scientific and engineering workforce.
International students seeking fellowships or grants may face challenges due to their citizenship status. In the US, graduate students are often charged fees that may not be covered by tuition waivers, fellowships, or scholarships. This can create financial difficulties for international students who are already navigating the complex process of studying abroad.
Some alternatives for international students seeking financial support include internal fellowships offered by specific universities, which students can apply for directly or through their graduate program. Additionally, international students pursuing a PhD can explore the tri-council CGS/PGS awards, some of which are applicable to international studies.
It is important to note that grant and fellowship opportunities may vary depending on the field of study. For example, a student in electrical engineering may have different options compared to a student in public health. Seeking advice from advisers or mentors in one's academic field can be beneficial, as they may be aware of specific opportunities or alternatives that could provide financial support for international students.
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International students can apply for tri-council CGS/PGS awards
The NSF fellowship is not open to international students who are not US permanent residents. However, international students can explore other opportunities, such as the tri-council CGS/PGS awards.
The tri-council scholarships are offered by the Government of Canada's research agencies and funded partners, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and others. These agencies promote innovation in research and academic excellence by offering valuable scholarships and awards.
International students can particularly benefit from the Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) at the master's and doctoral levels. The CGS Doctoral (CGSR D) program, for instance, is now open to international students and supports high-caliber scholars in various fields, including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. The annual value of Tri-Agency scholarships is $27,000 for master's and $40,000 for doctoral programs, with up to 15% of doctoral awards designated for international students.
To be eligible for these awards, international students must be enrolled in eligible Canadian institutions at the time of application. It is important to note that each scholarship has unique eligibility criteria, so interested applicants should refer to the specific program websites for detailed information.
In addition to the tri-council scholarships, international students can explore other opportunities like the International Council for Canadian Studies Scholarships, American Association of University Women International Fellowships, and more. These awards cater to various disciplines and provide support for international graduate students.
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Some universities have internal fellowships
The NSF fellowship is not open to international students. However, there are other external fellowships that international students can apply for. Some of these include the Fulbright Program, Chateaubriand Fellowships, and Qualcomm Innovation Fellowships.
In addition to these external options, some universities have internal fellowships for international students. These are offered by specific universities and may depend on the student's country of origin. For example, Harvard University is known to have internal fellowships for international students.
University-specific fellowships are often administered by the institution's graduate studies office or a similar department. These fellowships can provide financial support and enhance the career development of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and scholars.
It is important to note that the availability and specifics of internal fellowships vary across universities. Therefore, it is advisable to research the websites and contact the relevant departments of the universities you plan to apply to, in order to ascertain the availability and requirements of their internal fellowship programs.
Additionally, some universities may require that you are already enrolled in their programs to be eligible for certain fellowships, so it is essential to carefully review the criteria and application processes for each opportunity.
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NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports STEM students
The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) supports outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based master's or doctoral degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or STEM education. The program aims to ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce in the United States.
The GRFP provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period to graduate students demonstrating exceptional potential for significant research achievements in STEM. The support includes an annual stipend and a cost-of-education allowance covering tuition and fees at accredited U.S. institutions. Applicants must be US citizens, nationals, or permanent residents and must be pursuing full-time research-based graduate degrees in STEM fields. Applications are typically due in the fall of each year, with some programs having spring or early summer deadlines.
The NSF also offers other opportunities for graduate students interested in STEM. The NSF Research Traineeship Program (NRT) provides graduate students with the skills and knowledge to pursue various STEM careers. While only US citizens, nationals, and permanent residents are eligible for funding, international students can participate as unfunded trainees. The NRT offers 12-month-long stipends to support trainees' involvement in training activities, including courses, workshops, and research projects.
Additionally, the NSF Summer Scholars Internship Program and Postdoctoral Research Fellowships provide opportunities for undergraduate and doctoral students, respectively. The NSF's IRES program also offers international research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students.
While the NSF GRFP is not open to international students, there are equivalent fellowships and scholarships available for non-US citizens pursuing graduate studies in the US. For instance, international students can explore internal fellowships offered by specific universities or look into the tri-council CGS/PGS awards for international studies.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students are not eligible for the NSF Fellowship. Only US citizens can apply for this fellowship.
Yes, international students can look into the tri-council CGS/PGS awards as some can be applied to international studies. Additionally, some universities have internal fellowships that international students may be eligible for.
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) supports outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time, research-based masters and doctoral degrees in STEM fields. The program aims to ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce in the United States.
To be eligible for the NSF Fellowship, applicants must be US citizens pursuing full-time, research-based graduate degrees in STEM fields. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, research potential, and commitment to the advancement of science and technology in the United States.

















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