Applications are now open for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2027–2028. The programme supports PhD students who are conducting research that advances accelerated computing and related technologies.
Selected fellows can receive up to $60,000 per award. In addition, they gain the opportunity to collaborate with NVIDIA researchers and complete an in-person summer internship at an eligible NVIDIA research office.
Importantly, international PhD students are eligible to apply. As a result, students from the United States are not the only ones eligible for the fellowship.
Applications opened on September 30, 2026. The deadline for applications and recommendation letters is October 30, 2026.
NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2027–2028 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship |
| Academic Year | 2027–2028 |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Funding | Up to $60,000 per award |
| Eligible Applicants | PhD students worldwide |
| Applications Open | September 30, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
| Recommendation Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
| Winner Notification | January 15, 2027 |
| Internship | Required in-person summer internship |
| Award Administration | Through the recipient’s university |
What Is the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship?
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship is a research-focused programme for doctoral students. It supports promising PhD researchers whose work is relevant to accelerated computing and NVIDIA’s broader research interests.
However, the programme offers more than just financial support. Fellows also have opportunities to interact with NVIDIA researchers and technologies.
Furthermore, selected students must complete an in-person summer internship before the fellowship award year. As a result, recipients can combine academic research with practical experience in an industry research environment.
The fellowship is particularly relevant to doctoral researchers working in computing, engineering, artificial intelligence and related technical fields.
How Much Funding Does the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Provide?
The fellowship provides up to $60,000 per award.
Nevertheless, applicants should understand how the money is administered. NVIDIA does not simply transfer the award directly to the student.
Instead, the recipient’s university administers the funding. The award can support:
- Stipend costs
- Tuition
- Mandatory university fees
Therefore, applicants should ensure that their university can administer the fellowship before accepting an award.
Is the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Fully Funded?
Several websites may describe the programme as a fully funded PhD fellowship. However, NVIDIA’s official wording is more specific.
The programme provides up to $60,000 for each award.
Consequently, applicants should not assume that NVIDIA will automatically cover every cost associated with their entire doctoral programme. The actual amount and its use depend on the fellowship award and university administration.
For this reason, it is more accurate to describe the programme as a PhD research fellowship that offers up to $60,000.
Who Can Apply for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2027–2028?
Applicants must satisfy NVIDIA’s academic, research and enrolment requirements.
First, candidates should already be pursuing PhD-level studies. In general, applicants must have completed their first year of PhD-level study before applying.
In addition, they must remain full-time and active PhD students throughout the nine-month fellowship award year.
NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Level | Must be pursuing a PhD |
| PhD Progress | Complete the first year of PhD-level study before applying |
| Enrolment | Remain a full-time active PhD student during the award year. |
| Research Status | Actively engage in PhD thesis research. |
| Field | Computer science, computer engineering, system architecture, electrical engineering or a related area |
| Graduation | Must not plan to graduate before the end of the award year. |
| Internship | Must be available for the required in-person summer internship |
| International Students | Eligible |
| University | Must be able to administer the fellowship award |
Full-time NVIDIA employees and their immediate family members cannot participate.
Can International PhD Students Apply?
Yes. International PhD students are eligible for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2027–2028.
This makes the programme accessible to eligible doctoral researchers around the world.
Moreover, applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens to compete for the fellowship. However, every candidate must meet the academic and research requirements.
International applicants must also be available for the required in-person summer internship at an eligible NVIDIA research office.
Eligible Fields of Study
NVIDIA identifies several academic fields that are eligible for the programme.
They include:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- System Architecture
- Electrical Engineering
- Related technical areas
However, having an eligible degree title alone may not make an application competitive.
NVIDIA also evaluates the connection between the proposed research and its primary research domains. Therefore, applicants should clearly demonstrate how their work relates to relevant computing technologies.
Research Areas That May Be Relevant
The fellowship focuses on research that advances accelerated computing. Depending on the research project, relevant areas can include computing and engineering topics connected to NVIDIA’s research domains.
| Research Area | Possible Connection |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | AI models, systems and computing |
| Machine Learning | Algorithms and efficient ML systems |
| Computer Architecture | GPU and accelerated system design |
| Computer Graphics | Rendering, simulation and visual computing |
| Robotics | Intelligent and autonomous systems |
| High-Performance Computing | Large-scale accelerated computing |
| Autonomous Systems | Intelligent machines and systems |
| Deep Learning | Neural networks and training systems |
| Programming Systems | Software for advanced computing |
| Electrical Engineering | Hardware and computing technologies |
Applicants should focus on their genuine research interests rather than trying to make an unrelated project appear relevant.
Required NVIDIA Summer Internship
A major feature of the fellowship is the required in-person summer internship.
Selected fellows must complete the internship before the fellowship award year begins. Therefore, applicants should consider their availability before submitting an application.
The internship allows fellows to work in an NVIDIA research environment and interact with researchers and technology.
Eligible Internship Locations
NVIDIA lists eligible research offices in:
- United States
- Canada
- Germany
- Sweden
- Finland
- Switzerland
- Israel
- Taiwan
- Singapore
Thus, applicants should be prepared to participate in an in-person internship at an eligible location if selected.
What Does NVIDIA Consider During Selection?
NVIDIA evaluates applications across three major areas: student quality, research quality and relevance to NVIDIA.
Student Quality
For student quality, evaluators consider factors such as:
- Recommendation letters
- Academic performance
- GPA
- Academic achievements
Therefore, applicants should make sure their academic record and CV clearly present their strongest achievements.
Research Quality
Research quality is another important part of the selection process.
NVIDIA considers:
- Research results achieved so far
- Fellowship research proposal
- Publication track record
In particular, the research proposal plays a major role in the evaluation.
Relevance to NVIDIA
Finally, NVIDIA evaluates how closely the proposed research connects with its primary research domains.
Reviewers may consider the potential influence of the research on the design, performance or use of future GPUs.
As a result, applicants should clearly explain this connection rather than leaving reviewers to infer it.
Do You Need Publications to Apply?
NVIDIA considers an applicant’s publication track record when evaluating research quality.
However, the eligibility information does not specify a minimum number of publications that every candidate must have.
Therefore, students without several published papers can apply.
Instead, they should concentrate on presenting their research progress, academic achievements and proposal effectively. Strong recommendation letters can also help reviewers understand the applicant’s research potential.
Documents Required for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship
Applicants need to prepare several important application materials.
| Document or Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Research Proposal | Up to 2 pages plus bibliography |
| Resume or CV | Must include contact information |
| Recommendation Letters | Minimum 2 and maximum 3 |
| Adviser Recommendation | At least one letter from the thesis adviser/professor |
| Internship Availability | The applicant must confirm availability. |
Preparing these documents early is advisable because the research proposal and recommendation letters carry substantial weight.
NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Research Proposal
The research proposal is a central part of the application.
Applicants can submit a proposal of up to two pages. However, the bibliography does not count toward the two-page limit.
The applicant’s name should appear at the top of the proposal. Additionally, all text and images must fit within the permitted two pages.
A strong proposal should explain the research clearly and efficiently.
For example, applicants should consider addressing:
- The research problem
- Why the problem matters
- The proposed research approach
- Progress or results achieved so far
- Expected contribution
- Connection with NVIDIA’s research interests
- Potential impact on accelerated computing or related technologies
Because space is limited, applicants should avoid spending too much of the proposal on broad background information.
Instead, focus on the specific research question, methodology and expected contribution.
Recommendation Letter Requirements
Applicants must provide at least two recommendation letters.
They can submit a maximum of three.
At least one letter should come from the applicant’s thesis adviser or professor. Meanwhile, additional letters may come from other people who can meaningfully assess the applicant’s research ability.
Applicants should choose referees carefully. A strong recommendation should provide specific information about the candidate’s research skills, achievements and potential.
Most importantly, the recommendation letters must also be completed by October 30, 2026.
Therefore, candidates should contact their referees well before the deadline.
How to Apply for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2027–2028
The application process can be completed in several steps.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Start by checking your PhD progress, field of study, enrolment status and expected graduation date.
Also confirm that you can participate in the required summer internship.
Step 2: Review Your Research Fit
Next, consider how your doctoral research connects with NVIDIA’s primary research domains.
A strong connection can improve the overall relevance of your application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Research Proposal
Write a focused research proposal within the two-page limit.
Where possible, ask your supervisor or another experienced researcher to review it before submission.
Step 4: Update Your CV
Prepare an academic or research-focused CV.
Include relevant information such as your education, research experience, publications, technical skills, academic achievements and awards.
Step 5: Request Recommendation Letters
Contact two or three referees early.
At least one recommendation should come from your thesis adviser or professor.
Step 6: Confirm Internship Availability
Confirm that you are available for the required in-person summer internship before the fellowship year begins.
Step 7: Complete the Online Application
Enter the required information and upload your application materials through NVIDIA’s submission portal.
Step 8: Check Your Recommendation Letters
Before finalising your application, check that every expected recommendation has been marked as complete.
Do not assume that a referee has submitted a letter simply because you sent the request.
Step 9: Submit Before the Deadline
Finally, please submit the application before October 30, 2026.
Since recommendation letters must also arrive by this date, starting early can prevent last-minute problems.
NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2027–2028 Important Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | September 30, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
| Recommendation Letters Due | October 30, 2026 |
| Winner Notifications | January 15, 2027 |
| Required Internship | Before the fellowship award year |
| Fellowship Period | 2027–2028 academic year |
Applicants have only about one month between the opening date and deadline. Therefore, applicants should prioritise their recommendation letters and research proposals as soon as possible.
How Competitive Is the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship?
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship is a competitive research programme.
Applications are assessed on the quality of the student, the strength of the research, and its relevance to NVIDIA.
However, NVIDIA does not provide an official acceptance rate for the 2027–2028 cycle in the programme information.
For this reason, applicants should be cautious about unofficial acceptance rates published elsewhere.
Instead, concentrate on the criteria NVIDIA actually evaluates.
A strong application should demonstrate:
- Solid academic performance
- High-quality doctoral research
- A focused research proposal
- Strong recommendation letters
- Relevant research achievements
- Clear alignment with NVIDIA’s research interests
How to Strengthen Your Application
Meeting the eligibility requirements is only the first step. Applicants should also aim to make each part of the application competitive.
First, devote enough time to the research proposal. NVIDIA identifies it as a major component of the evaluation.
Second, present your research progress clearly. Publications can strengthen an application, but other meaningful research results may also help demonstrate your potential.
Third, select recommenders who understand your work. Specific and detailed recommendations are generally more informative than generic letters.
Furthermore, your CV should make important achievements easy to identify.
Finally, explain the relevance of your research to NVIDIA clearly. Avoid vague statements about NVIDIA being a leading technology company. Instead, show how your research could contribute to accelerated computing, GPUs or another relevant research domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2027–2028 open?
Yes. Applications opened on September 30, 2026.
The application deadline is October 30, 2026.
How much funding does NVIDIA provide?
Selected fellows can receive up to $60,000 per award.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International PhD students are eligible to apply.
Can master’s students apply?
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship is designed for PhD students who meet the programme’s doctoral study requirements.
Can undergraduates apply?
No. This particular fellowship is intended for doctoral researchers.
Can first-year PhD students apply?
Applicants are generally expected to have completed their first year of PhD-level studies before applying. NVIDIA provides additional guidance for exceptional cases in its programme FAQ.
Does NVIDIA pay the $60,000 directly to students?
No. The fellowship award is administered through the recipient’s university.
The funding can support stipend, tuition and mandatory fees.
Is the NVIDIA internship mandatory?
Yes. Fellows must be available for the required in-person summer internship at an eligible NVIDIA research office before the fellowship award year.
Are publications required?
NVIDIA considers publication track record when evaluating research quality. However, the programme does not specify a minimum number of publications as a basic eligibility requirement.
How many recommendation letters do I need?
Applicants need two to three recommendation letters.
At least one must come from a thesis adviser or professor.
When are recommendation letters due?
Recommendation letters must be completed by October 30, 2026, alongside the application deadline.
When will successful applicants be notified?
Winner notifications are scheduled for January 15, 2027.
Why Consider the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship?
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship offers more than financial support.
For eligible doctoral researchers, the programme combines up to $60,000 in university-administered funding with research collaboration and practical industry experience.
Furthermore, fellows work with NVIDIA researchers and technology. The required internship can also provide valuable exposure to an advanced research environment.
The programme is particularly relevant for PhD students whose research connects strongly with accelerated computing, computer architecture, AI, machine learning, graphics and related technologies.
Therefore, eligible researchers should consider applying if their work aligns with NVIDIA’s research priorities.
Final Thoughts
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2027–2028 is an important opportunity for doctoral researchers working in computer science, computer engineering, system architecture, electrical engineering and related fields.
Selected fellows can receive up to $60,000 for stipend, tuition and mandatory fees through their universities. In addition, recipients work with NVIDIA researchers and complete a required in-person summer internship.
International PhD students are eligible. However, applicants must meet the academic, research, enrolment and internship requirements.
Above all, the research proposal and recommendation letters deserve careful attention. NVIDIA identifies both as important parts of the evaluation process.
Applications are already open. Therefore, eligible PhD students should prepare their materials early rather than waiting until the final days.
Application deadline: October 30, 2026.
Official Links
NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program:
https://research.nvidia.com/graduate-fellowships
NVIDIA Research:
https://research.nvidia.com/