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NSF Fellowships

Article on NSF Fellowships

The National Science Foundation or NSF is a federal agency of the United States created to promote science and engineering through extensive research programs and education endeavors. With an annual budget of $6 Billion, the NSF funds approximately 20% of federally supported researches. Among the major programs of the agency would be the NSF fellowships, where they support exceptional graduate students with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) taking up research-based Master’s or Doctoral degrees. In this article, readers will be able to learn more about NSF fellowships, what it is, its benefits, and eligibility requirements.

The NSF Fellowship Program

Also called GRFP or the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, this program has already established a reputation of being able to produce leaders who have made significant contributions to help make innovative advancements in various fields. Fellows will be able to take part of a 3-year program that has been designed to make them knowledge experts whose contributions will strengthen the nation’s technological makeup, security, and economic stability. NSF offers equal opportunity, and encourages men, women, under-represented minorities, and people with disabilities to apply. Fellowship for NSF is quite competitive, with hundreds vying for a handful of positions annually.

Who Are Eligible?

For NSF fellowships, there are requirements needed in order for an application to be considered for selection. First, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen, national, or a permanent resident alien. He or she must have completed a B.S. or B.A. degree in any field under STEM; a graduating senior, or a sophomore in graduate studies. Moreover, the applicant should be pursuing a research-based Master’s or Doctoral degree in the aforementioned disciplines. Those who are eligible should submit a personal statement essay, previous research experience essay, research proposal, and academic transcript of records, 3 reference letters, and GRE scores.

Choosing a Primary Field of Study for NSF Fellowships

Among the several considerations that an applicant should look into is the field of study to choose. Each field has a separate panel, comprising of 2-3 reviewers who will evaluate fellowship applications. A list of primary field options can be found at NSF’s official site, under the section Proposed Graduate Program. Those who are not sure of what to pick should factor in the research topic they have proposed and pick a field that closely matches it. Take note that panelists have the discretion to transfer an application to another panel if they think that it is the most appropriate field of study, thus it is always important to be careful when choosing.

Over the years, NSF fellowships have produced an excellent breed of individuals that became high-ranking government officials, successful entrepreneurs, and Nobel Prize winners. To be part of this elite group is already a privilege in itself, and to have the opportunity to learn, experience, and be trained under the NSF research program is truly something that only a select few can have. Chosen fellows receive $30,000 annual stipend, $10,500 education allowance, and international travel allowance. An NSF fellow can become an expert in any of the fields under STEM and make a vital contribution to the country and the society.