National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)

Award Information

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to support the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce in the United States. The fellowship is awarded to prospective and current graduate students who have demonstrated their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research.

This three-year fellowship, which can be used over the course of five years, includes:

$37,000 annual stipend
$16,000 towards tuition and fees (the remainder is covered by the Graduate School)

Application deadlines: late October (specific date varies depending on discipline)

Eligibility

Applicants must:

be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. permanent residents
be pursuing a research-based master’s or Ph.D. program in an NSF-supported field*
be enrolled at an accredited U.S. graduate institution, with a U.S. campus, by the fall after the application is submitted
have completed no more than 12 months of full-time graduate study (or the equivalent) by the application deadline, or meet the criteria for the extenuating circumstance described in Section IV of the Program Solicitation.
meet all other eligibility requirements as set forth in the current Program Solicitation

*NSF-supported fields of study include: social sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geosciences, life sciences, materials research, mathematics, physics and astronomy, psychology (non-clinical), and STEM education research. For a complete list of disciplines, see “X. Appendix” in the NSF GRFP Solicitation.

Resources

PowerPoint webinar presentation →

Questions?

The Office of Fellowships & Awards can assist you with questions or application support.

Awardee Stories

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Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD)

Formerly known as the National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC), was founded in 1989 “To increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in STEM fields, emphasizing recruitment of a diverse applicant pool.” Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD) is a partnership between federal agencies & laboratories, industry, and higher education institutions. GFSD has a strong partnership with the University of Southern California. GFSD is a registered US nonprofit (501c3). We are only able to support our fellows through partnerships and generous donation of our sponsors.

Learn More and Apply

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Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowships

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann supported students and charitable organizations in her lifetime and created a fund to continue support after her death. The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund supports graduate students with “outstanding character and ability who hold promise for achievement and distinction in their chosen fields of study.” The University of Washington is one of the institutions selected to submit three nominees for this national fellowship.

In 2024–25, the fellowship will provide an $18,000 stipend, plus tuition (no fees or health insurance). This annual award may be renewed for a total of three years.

Eligibility

All interested applicants must:

Be a UW doctoral or professional graduate student currently enrolled in a field of study that may include any recognized field of study in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences (including law, medicine, engineering, architecture, or other formal professional training). The national selection committee has a strong preference for supporting scholarly endeavors (not practice degrees).
Have received a baccalaureate degree and have an outstanding undergraduate record.
Show financial need (i.e., must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the UW Office of Student Financial Aid — if you do not already have one on file for this year you should file one immediately.)
Be a U.S. citizen.
Conduct their studies and research in the United States.

Application process

UW students may apply for nomination consideration through the Graduate School’s Office of Fellowships and Awards. Required materials are submitted online via MyGrad. Applications will be reviewed, and three nominees will be chosen for submission to the foundation.

Apply Now Via MyGrad

Initial applications need only answer some brief questions, then upload items 1-4 below. The three applicants chosen as nominees will be required to provide the last five items on the list. Please note: Nominees will have only one week to provide the additional items after being notified of nominee status. All applicants should be prepared to provide these items ASAP.

Application materials

By the campus deadline, all initial applicants must provide the following materials:

Statement of purpose, up to three pages long (double-spaced) which considers the relationship between your graduate level study and your intended personal and/or professional goals. Your statement of purpose must include a 10-15 line abstract at the top (included in the three-page limit) that explains in layperson’s terms the essence of your proposed topic of study or dissertation, the methodology of its treatment and its anticipated impact on your field of study.
Letters of recommendation from at least two professors who have taught or worked closely with you.
Resume or curriculum vitae.
Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts. (NOTE: Final nominees will be required to submit official copies; please make sure you have these on hand or can get them quickly.)

Only those selected as final campus nominees will provide:

Official Liebmann application form.
Copy of graduate exam test scores printed from the test provider.
Financial aid summary from the UW. You can print a copy from MyUW. If you have not already submitted a FAFSA for this current academic year, you should do so right away and well before our application deadline. If you are chosen as a nominee you will be required to provide verification of financial need from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
One copy of your FAFSA.
Copies of federal income tax forms for the prior two years (including spouse’s returns, if applicable).
Official copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Please note: All final pieces of the application will need to be provided in paper format to the Office of Fellowships and Awards. Nominees will have only one week to provide the additional items after being notified of nominee status.

Questions?

The Office of Fellowships and Awards can assist you.

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Fanny & John Hertz Graduate Fellowships

The Hertz Fellowship provides financial and lifelong professional support for the nation’s most promising graduate students in science and technology.

The fellowship includes up to five years of funding, valued at up to $250,000, and the freedom to pursue innovative projects wherever they may lead. In addition, fellows take part in ongoing mentoring, symposia, and workshops with our vibrant community of more than 1200 fellows, a set of peers who span disciplines, generations, and geography.

Before applying, we encourage you to explore the details of the fellowship to make sure it’s the right fit for you. You can email us with any questions at fellowshipinfo@hertzfoundation.org, or visit the Hertz website’s frequently asked questions.

Fellows

Katherine Xue, 2015 Hertz Fellow, Ph.D. in Genome Sciences

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DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service Fellowship

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a publicly-funded independent organization of higher education institutions in Germany. Each year DAAD, its regional branch offices, its information centers, and DAAD professors around the globe provide information and financial support to more than 120,000 highly qualified students and faculty for international research and study. Visit the DAAD website for a full list of funded programs.

Research grants are awarded to highly qualified candidates who have completed a master’s degree or diploma, to those who have already completed a Ph.D., or to those wishing to earn a doctoral degree in Germany.

Those who have received an undergraduate degree of any discipline may apply for the DAAD Study Scholarship for a full master’s degree program at a German university, or for study at a German university as part of a post-graduate or master’s degree program completed in the home country.

Many study programs and research opportunities funded by DAAD do not require proficiency in the German language; applicants should indicate interest in developing proficiency in the language before and during time overseas.

Deadlines

UW campus priority status deadline: October 2, 2023
DAAD application deadline: November 3, 2023, 3 p.m. (Pacific)

Those applying for graduate study scholarships and regular research grants are eligible to be considered for UW’s single priority nomination. Note that, per DAAD guidelines, applicants for short-term research grants may not be considered for priority status.

Eligibility

Current UW graduate students or postdocs within two years of Ph.D. completion
Both U.S. citizens and international students are eligible to apply for DAAD awards; citizenship status may affect the types of awards for which students are eligible

View the DAAD FAQs for more information about eligibility.

Application process

Current graduate students who wish to be considered for the priority nomination should apply through the University of Washington. Both research and study applicants of all disciplines should find the appropriate program for which to apply through DAAD’s scholarship database. The program’s profile will indicate all required application materials.

Search the DAAD Scholarship Database View the DAAD Applicant Checklists

Apply for Priority Consideration:

Once you have identified your desired program opportunity from the scholarship database, open an application in the DAAD online portal.
Complete all components of your online application, but do not submit the application.
Generate a recommendation form in the portal and instruct your reference writer to email the completed letter to you, or directly to the Office of Fellowships & Awards (gradappt@uw.edu) if they wish for the letter to be confidential.
- NOTE: If your recommender prefers for your letter to be confidential, in addition to emailing the letter to Fellowships & Awards, they will also need to mail a hard copy to the DAAD before the final deadline: Regional Office New York, German Academic Exchange Service, 871 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017.
Email a PDF copy of your application summary and all supplemental materials (letter of motivation, research proposal, CV, etc.) to gradappt@uw.edu by the priority deadline.
After the campus committee review, you will receive feedback and have the option to revise your application materials before submitting your application in the DAAD portal by the national deadline.

Apply without Priority Consideration:

Once you have identified your desired program opportunity from the scholarship database, open an application in the DAAD online portal.
Generate a recommendation form in the online portal and instruct your reference writer to either provide the letter to you electronically or mail the signed and completed form to the DAAD: Regional Office New York, German Academic Exchange Service, 871 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017.
Complete all components of your online application and submit via the portal by the DAAD final deadline.

Questions?

Michelle Sutton in the Office of Fellowships & Awards can assist you with questions and application support.

Consider registering for Global Fellowships Prep for additional online tips and resources.

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Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The program awards more than 2,100 grants annually in all fields of study, and operates in about 140 countries worldwide. All students and recent alumni are encouraged to consider this great opportunity, whether as part of your academic program or outside of it.

UW DEADLINE: August 28, 2024

Information sessions for UW students and alumni

Attending an information session is vital to preparing a successful Fulbright application. Information sessions will be hosted online throughout spring quarter—check out our Calendar of Events.

Unable to attend an information session this cycle? Global Fellowships Prep is available to all UW students and alumni. The site hosts recordings of all workshops and panel events, as well as additional resources to help UW applicants prepare competitive proposals.

Learn More About Global Fellowships Prep

Eligibility

U.S. citizens (international students may be eligible for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program)
Master’s or doctoral degree student, professional degree student (without a Ph.D.), graduating senior, or alumni who hold at least a bachelor’s degree but not a Ph.D.

Application process

Current UW graduate students must apply through the UW campus process and meet our earlier campus deadline. The UW campus deadline for the 2025–2026 Fulbright U.S. student competition is August 28, 2024. Although the official Fulbright deadline is later, currently enrolled students MUST complete and submit all application materials by our earlier deadline.

Graduate alumni are invited to apply through the UW campus process if they choose, but may also apply at-large; applying through the UW campus process requires that you also meet the earlier campus deadline.

UW applicants are required to attend a virtual interview. Interviews will take place between Sept. 16-18, 2024. (NOTE: This is BEFORE autumn classes begin.)

The Institute of International Education (IIE)’s Fulbright website provides detailed information on the award itself and the application process.

Prospective applicants should check the eligibility requirements first. Then, closely read the country summary for the country to which you wish to apply. Each country has different guidelines, procedures and priorities. This is especially true of language and affiliation requirements. Pay close attention to the details in the country summary to make sure your interests match before proceeding with an application.

Open a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Application

UW Fulbright Program Advisors

Several different Fulbright Program Advisors (FPAs) at the UW will assist you with understanding the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and putting your application together. We encourage you to connect with an FPA to discuss the process and your plans.

UW Seattle graduate and professional students (and recent Seattle campus graduates with master’s degrees but not PhDs) will apply through the Graduate School’s Office of Fellowships & Awards. FPA is Michelle Sutton; contact gradappt@uw.edu with application questions or to make an appointment to discuss your application.

UW Seattle undergraduate students (and recent bachelor’s degree graduates of the Seattle campus) will apply through the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards. FPAs are Robin Chang and Chetana Acharya; contact scholarq@uw.edu with application questions or to make an appointment to discuss your application.

UW Bothell students and alumni at all levels will contact Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards. FPA is Natalia Dyba, nataliak@uw.edu, UW1-160.

UW Tacoma students and alumni at all levels will contact UWT Global Affairs. FPA is Vanessa de Veritch Woodside, vdw@uw.edu.

UW alumni have the option of applying through the campus process, no matter how long it has been since they graduated. FPAs can help you determine if this is the best path for you to pursue, or whether you should apply as an At-Large candidate.

Materials and resources

Looking for more interactive support? Think about joining the UW Global Fellowships Prep community.

Following are links regarding the Fulbright program that are helpful during the application process:

Information for those writing reference letters

Awardee Stories

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Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Award

The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship provides funding for dissertation research abroad for graduate students pursuing non-Western European area studies. Geographic areas include: Africa; East, Southeast, and South Asia, Pacific Islands; Near East; East Central Europe and Eurasia; and the Western Hemisphere (excluding the United States and its territories).

UW DEADLINE: Friday, March 22, 2024, 9 a.m. Pacific

Office Hours

Interested applicants should watch our recorded information session prior to attending office hours (UW NetID required).

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, noon–1 p.m.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 4–5 p.m.
Thursday, February 22, 2024, 9–10 a.m.
Friday, February 23, 2024, noon–1 p.m.

Join an office hour (no registration required) >

Eligibility

Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
Ph.D. candidates in modern area studies, planning a career in teaching, government, international development and the professions
Proficiency in the language of the host country is required

Application process

UW students must apply through the Graduate School’s Office of Fellowships and Awards; please contact us for information. Applications are submitted electronically using the U.S. Department of Education’s G5 submission system. Applicants will need to register to use G5 prior to starting an application. Applicants should notify Project Director Michelle Sutton of their intent to apply in an announced cycle as soon as possible: mdrapek@uw.edu.

DDRA Application and Instructions

Questions?

Michelle Sutton in the Office of Fellowships and Awards can assist you.

Awardee Stories

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DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF)

Established in 1991, the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) provides outstanding benefits and opportunities to students pursuing doctoral degrees in fields that use high-performance computing to solve complex science and engineering problems.

The program fosters a community of energetic and committed Ph.D. students, alumni, DOE laboratory staff and other scientists who want to have an impact on the nation while advancing their research. Fellows come from diverse scientific and engineering disciplines but share a common interest in using computing in their research.

David L. Boren Graduate Fellowship

National Deadline: Jan. 24, 2024, 2 p.m. (Pacific)

David L. Boren Graduate Fellowships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and regions that are underrepresented in study abroad programs, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are excluded.

Boren fellows represent a vital pool of highly motivated individuals who wish to work in the federal national security arena. In exchange for funding, Boren fellows commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.

The fellowships provide up to $25,000 for overseas study. In addition, Boren Fellowships can provide limited funding for domestic language study to supplement the overseas component. The maximum award for a combined overseas and domestic program is $30,000.

Information sessions

Check our Events & Deadlines calendar for upcoming information sessions. Sessions are typically held in autumn quarter.

Additional informational resources and webinar recordings are available on the Boren Awards website.

Eligibility

Boren Fellowships are for graduate students. You are eligible to apply if you are:

A U.S. citizen at the time of application.
Either matriculated in or applying to a graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States. Boren Fellows must remain matriculated in their graduate programs for the duration of the fellowship and may not graduate until the fellowship is complete.
Planning an overseas program that meets home institution standards in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Boren Fellowships are not for study in the United States.

Application process

All application materials will be submitted online directly by the applicant; be sure to select the University of Washington as your current institution. Instructions for applicants who wish to participate in the UW Boren campus review process are forthcoming.

Apply for the Boren Fellowship

Additional resources

Questions?

Michelle Sutton in the Office of Fellowships and Awards can assist you with questions and provide application support.

Awardee Stories

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UWRA Patricia Dougherty Fellowship in Aging

Award Information

The Graduate School is pleased to announce a competition for a fellowship for the 2024–25 academic year made possible through the generosity of the University of Washington Retirement Association (UWRA).

The UWRA Patricia Dougherty Fellowship in Aging is a one-quarter fellowship that supports graduate students of outstanding academic merit who have a demonstrated academic and personal interest in aging-related issues or concerns. The fellowship will provide a monthly stipend equivalent to the standard TA II level (currently $3,076/month), GAIP health insurance, and a waiver of state tuition for up to 18 credits (excluding U-PASS and international student fee) in the quarter when the student takes the fellowship. The choice of the quarter will be left to the discretion of the graduate student in consultation with his or her department.

Application Deadline: Thursday, February 8, 2024, noon (Pacific Time)

Eligibility

At the time of application, students must be matriculated in a UW graduate degree tuition program (fee-based programs are not eligible) and not in their last year of study. The recipient of the award must be enrolled in full-time credits (at least 10) during the fellowship quarter. Students in fee-based programs are not eligible to apply.

Application Materials

Academic/research statement (maximum of two double-spaced pages) describing the applicant’s academic/research interests in aging-related issues and concerns.
Personal statement (maximum of two double-spaced pages) describing the applicant’s personal interests and background in aging-related issues and concerns—e.g. personal experience, community service, work experience or other involvement.
Curriculum vitae (maximum of two-pages)
Unofficial UW transcript showing graduate coursework (available as a PDF from MyUW). Undergraduate transcripts are not required but can be submitted if they show evidence of relevant coursework in aging studies.
Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s faculty advisor, addressing the applicant’s academic and personal commitment to aging-related issues and concerns. The letter of recommendation should be submitted directly by the writer. Students will send out recommendation requests via the application in MyGrad.

Apply Now via MyGrad

Selection Criteria

Demonstrated academic focus on aging-related concerns or issues as evidenced through the academic/research statement, curriculum vitae, and letter of recommendation.
Personal commitment to aging-related concerns and issues as evidenced through the personal statement, letter of recommendation, curriculum vitae, etc.
Academic merit as evidenced through GPA, letter of recommendation, transcript, and curriculum vitae.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Fellowships and Awards.

Return to List of Fellowships

Degree Type: Doctoral Students