Sudden Changes to NSF’s Graduate Fellowship Program

In an abrupt move, the National Science Foundation (N.S.F.) has narrowed eligibility for its Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). With effectively no transition period and little advance notice, the change has caught thousands of prospective applicants by surprise.

Only senior undergraduates, first-year graduate students in their first graduate degree program, and bachelor’s degree holders with no prior enrollment in any graduate degree program can apply. Previously, students could also apply during their second year of graduate school. Applicants beginning a new graduate program after up to a two-year hiatus were also eligible.

The solicitation was released on September 26, giving applicants only about six weeks to prepare before the November 10-14 application deadlines, compressing the window to submit an application. In previous years, the solicitation was typically released in July, allowing applicants at least 90 days to prepare per the policy on the NSF website.

Since 2016, students have been able to apply twice in total, typically once as a senior undergraduate and once as a first- or second-year graduate student. As only one application is allowed during graduate school, many were advised to wait until their applications were stronger in their second year. These changes have blindsided second-year students who have used their first year to develop research proposals, establish faculty relationships, and produce preliminary results prior to applying.

Critics note that by emphasizing undergraduate research experience and grades, the new policy may favor students from well-resourced institutions. The GRFP has often faced criticism for this bias. Students who lack early exposure to research opportunities are at a disadvantage. This year’s shortened timeline exacerbates this issue, as elite universities are better equipped to support first-year applicants at such a quick turnaround.

The NSF states that the GRFP will “refocus on its original statutory and programmatic intent to affect students at the beginning of their STEM graduate training and to award fellowships ‘to the applicants in such a manner as will tend to result in a wide distribution of scholarships and fellowships throughout the United States.’ 42 USC §1869(a).”

The NSF’s fiscal year 2026 budget request of $127.3 million for the GRFP is a 55% drop from 2024 funding levels. The fallout remains to be seen.