Six Alternatives to the NSF GRFP for First Year Grad Students

Sept. 3, 2021

Should you apply to the NSF GRFP as a first- or second-year graduate student? This is a question that you need to discuss with your advisor. However, if you plan to wait (or even if you do not), consider applying to any of the six alternatives to the NSF GRFP listed below. Going through the application process for one of these awards will make you a better candidate for the NSF GRFP next year. Or, you might be successful with one of the awards below.

Hertz Fellowships
The Foundation supports graduate students working towards the Ph.D. degree in the applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences. These fields include applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering.

 

Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
The Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) program provides outstanding benefits and opportunities to students pursuing doctoral degrees in fields of study that use high performance computing to solve complex science and engineering problems. Those studying engineering and the physical, computer, mathematical or life sciences are encouraged to apply provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Fellowship support is available for four years and must be renewed annually.

 

Department of Defense Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program was established as a concentrated effort to enhance the Department of Defense (DoD) workforce with talented, innovative and brilliant scientists, engineers and researchers. The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense (DoD) upon degree completion.

 

Graduate Education for Minorities (GEM) Consortium Fellowships
The mission of The National GEM Consortium is to enhance the value of the nation’s human capital by increasing the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) at the master’s and doctoral levels in engineering and science. GEM provides three Fellowship Programs. 1. MS Engineering Fellowship Program: The objective of this program is to promote the benefits of a masters degree within industry. 2.Ph.D. Engineering Fellowship: The objective of this program is to offer doctoral fellowships to underrepresented minority students who have either completed, are currently enrolled in a master’s in engineering program, or received admittance into a PhD program directly from a bachelor’s degree program. 3. Ph.D. Science Fellowship: The goal of this program is to increase the number of minority students who pursue doctoral degrees in the natural science disciplines.

 

Graduate Fellowships for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Diversity
The Graduate Fellowships for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Diversity is a partnership between government agencies and laboratories, industry, and higher education. Their goal is to increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in the physical sciences and related engineering fields, emphasizing recruitment of a diverse applicant pool including women and minorities. The Graduate Fellowship is unique in being open to all American citizens; lasting for up to six years; providing a $20,000 annual stipend; covering tuition; allowing a fellow also to hold a research or teaching assistantship; including one or two paid summer internships with a government agency; providing a mentor and the opportunity for a lasting relationship with the sponsor.

 

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program (NDSEG)
The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program (NDSEG) of the US Department of Defense is intended for students at or near the beginning of graduate study for doctoral degrees in mathematical, physical, biological, and engineering sciences. It is a three-year award, which includes a stipend, plus full tuition and fees, not including room and board as a means of increasing the number of U.S. citizens and nationals trained in science and engineering disciplines of military importance.

GradFunding Newsletter is a service of the University of Arizona Graduate College, Office of Fellowships and Community Engagement. You may reuse this article but please acknowledge Shelley Hawthorne Smith and the University of Arizona Graduate College Office of Fellowships and Community Engagement.