NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Resources and tips for individuals writing reference letters for NSF GRFP applicants, including a submission guide.

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DeadlineFriday, November 7 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (for reference letters)

Award amount$200 flat rate fee for eligible reviewers

Last checkedJun 26, 2026

Application

Reference Writer Requirements - NSF GRFP

Requirements for reference writers for the NSF GRFP, including content, formatting, and submission deadline. Letters must be two pages or less.

Official source Source page

Deadline

November 7 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Eligibility

Anyone can serve as a reference writer, as long as they are not family members of the applicant.

Requirements

Limit letter to two pages.; Include department, institution, and length of acquaintance.; Comment on applicant's potential and research.; Address Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts.; Submit on letterhead, signed, using standard 8.5" x 11" page size with 1 inch margins and 11-point Times New Roman font.

Application materials

Reference letter

Important dates

Reference letters must be received by Friday, November 7 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Contact

grfp@nsf.gov

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