NSF Graduate Research Fellowships provide support for research based graduate study leading to doctoral degrees in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer sciences, engineering, behavioral and social sciences, and in the history or philosophy of science.
Applicants MUST have an excellent academic record and have demonstrated their ability to do original research or other creative work related to their field of study. The NSF essays require that students be able to articulate very specific plans for graduate study. Generally, more awards are given in the physical sciences than the social sciences and the philosophy or history of science. Applicants must articulate clear and definite plans for their Ph.D. research and graduate study. Although there are no GPA requirements, NSF recipients will have a 3.6 or better GPA. Evidence of academic achievement and well developed and supported research and study plans supported by strong reference letters are essential.
The NSF is highly competitive. Approximately 5,000 applications are reviewed each year with about 900 awards made. Approximately 90 awards will be in the Women in Engineering (WENG) and Women in Computer and Information Science (WICS) components.
Awards carry a stipend for each fellow of $30,000 for a 12-month tenure (prorated monthly at $2,500 for lesser periods) and an annual cost-of-education allowance of $10,500, paid to the Fellow's institution in lieu of tuition and fees.
Deadlines vary by discipline in early November. 2006 deadlines:
November 3: Mathematic Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)
November 4: Engineering
November 6: Psychology, Social Sciences, Geosciences
November 8: Life Sciences
November 13: Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy
January – selection committees review applications
March – award announcements are made
Ginny Dosch
Student Fellowships Coordinator
vdosch@hamilton.edu
