Introduction
If you’re pursuing a PhD in computing or engineering and driven to push the boundaries of innovation, the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program offers a remarkable gateway. In its 25th year, this initiative delivers up to $60,000 per award to support cutting-edge doctoral research in accelerated computing—across fields like AI, robotics, computer vision, autonomous systems, healthcare, and more
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Winners not only receive significant funding but also gain exclusive access to NVIDIA’s technology, mentorship from top experts, and a mandatory in-person internship at one of NVIDIA’s global research labs.
What the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Is
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship isn’t just a grant—it’s a launchpad for PhD candidates shaping the future of accelerated computing:
- Funding: Covers stipend, tuition, and mandatory fees—up to $60,000.
- Mandatory Internship: 3–4 months in-person at NVIDIA offices located in the US, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, or Taiwan.
- Focus Areas: AI, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, robotics, graphics, healthcare, and high-performance computing.
- Legacy Impact: Over $7.3M awarded across 200+ grants since 2002.
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship:
- PhD Status: Must have completed at least one year of PhD studies by application time.
- Discipline: Must be in CS, Computer Engineering, Systems Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
- Active Enrollment: Must be enrolled full-time during the 2026–27 academic year (not graduating before May/June 2027).
- Internship Availability: Must be available for the required in-person summer internship.
- No Conflict of Interest: Applicants must not be immediate family of a current NVIDIA employee.
- Award Administered by University: Funds go to the academic institution, not directly to the student.
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Evaluation Criteria
Your application will be evaluated on three key dimensions:
- Student Quality: Strong academic records, publications, and compelling recommendation letters.
- Research Quality: Clear results-to-date, innovative proposal, and publication track record.
- NVIDIA Relevance: How your work intersects with NVIDIA domain areas and its future GPU technologies.
Application Requirements & Process
Applications consist of:
- Research Proposal (2 pages + bibliography): Include your vision, GPU relevance, and internship ideas.
- CV/Resume
- Recommendation Letters: 2–3 total—must include your thesis advisor.
- Internship Confirmation
You’ll use the Submission Portal (managed by the student) to:
- Fill your profile
- Enter proposal and details
- Add referees who will be emailed for letters
- Submit only once all letters are received and documents complete—deadline: 3 PM Pacific Time, September 15, 2025.
Timeline 2026–27
- Applications Open: August 2025.
- Deadline: September 15, 2025.
- Internship Summer: Summer 2026, in-person.
- Award Notifications: By end of November 2025.
Why You Should Apply
- Significant Funding: $60K can support your research fully.
- Unmatched Exposure: Intern with NVIDIA experts and access cutting-edge GPU tech.
- Global Impact: Research that can transform robotics, space, medicine, graphics, and beyond.
- Academic-Industry Bridge: This fellowship embodies the best of both worlds—academic purpose with industrial influence.
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Application Tips
- Craft a Visionary Proposal: Share long-term impact, not just academic milestones.
- Show GPU Relevance: Discuss how your work interacts with NVIDIA tech.
- Select Advocates Wisely: Strong, personalized recommendation letters matter.
- Plan Ahead: Contact referees early and monitor submission statuses.
- Tell a Coherent Story: Align your thesis with global computing challenges and NVIDIA’s mission.
Final Thoughts
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2026/27 is a prestigious opportunity to take your doctoral research from concept to cutting-edge implementation alongside global tech leaders. With a focus on innovation, access to world-class resources, and a track record of driving progress, this fellowship empowers the next generation of research leaders.
Need help drafting your proposal or selecting referees? I’m here to assist.
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