The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program is considered one of the most prestigious funding opportunities for doctoral students working on innovative, advanced research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and related fields. Now in its 25th year of the organization, the program has been initiated which offers generous financial support — up to USD $60,000 — and also provides direct access to NVIDIA’s cutting-edge technology, mentorship from world-class engineers, and a mandatory in-person internship.
Over the years, this fellowship has been a supporting the brightest researchers in tech, accelerating their projects and connecting them to the industry’s best future leaders. For 2026/2027, NVIDIA is currently inviting applications from full-time PhD students worldwide who are ready to push the limits of what’s possible in GPU-powered research. Following are the quick overview.
NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2026-2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | Up to USD $60,000 |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2025 (3:00 PM Pacific Time) |
| Eligible Fields | Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, System Architecture, or related |
| Research Focus | AI, Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, Accelerated Computing, GPU Applications |
| Study Level | PhD (must have completed at least one year by application time) |
| Fellowship Duration | Academic year 2026–2027 |
| Internship Requirement | Mandatory in-person summer internship at NVIDIA |
| Eligible Countries for Internship | USA, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, Taiwan |
| Application Method | Online via NVIDIA’s submission portal |
| Results Announcement | By end of November 2025 |
About the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program
Based on company reputation, the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program has stood out for its unique combination of financial support, industry collaboration, and technical mentorship. NVIDIA has vision in investing in academic talent, considering it essential for advancing technology, successful organization and driving future innovation.
Attractive features and opportunites of the program include:
- Substantial research funding
- Access to NVIDIA’s products and platforms
- The chance to collaborate directly with NVIDIA engineers
- A three-to-four-month internship prior to the fellowship year
Why This Fellowship Matters for Researchers
Since to join NVIDIA is a dream for every tech student, the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship offers a strategic career boost. The funding covers almost all expesnses as well stipends which covers tuition, and mandatory fees, reducing the need for students to take on unrelated work. More importantly, recipients get the opportunity to shape technology that influences industries from healthcare to space exploration.
NVIDIA currently works at the forefront of:
- AI and Machine Learning
- High-Performance Computing
- Autonomous Systems
- Robotics and Computer Vision
- Medical Imaging and Simulation
Fellowship Benefits – Beyond the $60,000 Grant
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship key benefits include:
- Generous Funding – Up to USD $60,000, covering stipend, tuition, and fees.
- Internship Opportunity – Work hands-on with NVIDIA engineers and researchers.
- Access to Resources – Cutting-edge hardware, software, and AI tools.
- Networking – top-tier PhD students and industry leaders.
- Global Exposure – Through Internships available in multiple countries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Standing: Must have completed at least the first year of PhD studies before the application deadline and enrolled full-time through the 2026–2027 award year (i.e., expected graduation no sooner than May/June 2027).
- Field of Study: Active research in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, System Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or related areas.
- Internship Availability: Must be avaiable to complete an in-person summer internship at an NVIDIA research facility in one of the following locations: United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, or Taiwan.
- Family Restrictions: Please note that immediate family members of current NVIDIA employees are not eligible.
- Payment Structure: Funds will be administered through and paid to the recipient’s university—not directly to the student.
Research Areas of Interest
NVIDIA is currently interested in proposals that push the boundaries of:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – Including deep learning model optimization and large-scale AI training.
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems – Enhancing decision-making, perception, and navigation.
- GPU Architecture & Performance – Innovations that influence future GPU design.
- Accelerated Computing Applications – Medical imaging, weather prediction, climate science, and more.
- Automotive Technologies – Self-driving algorithms, safety systems, and simulation tools.
Application Process – Step by Step
The application process is conducted entirely online through NVIDIA’s Submission Portal:
1. Prepare Your Research Proposal
- Limit: Two pages (plus bibliography).
- Clearly outline your research goals, progress, and future impact.
- Connect your work to NVIDIA’s core research areas.
2. Prepare Your Resume (CV)
- Include contact details, education, publications, and relevant experience.
3. Obtain Recommendation Letters
- Minimum two, maximum three letters.
- At least one from your thesis advisor.
- Choose recommenders who know your work well.
4. Confirm Internship Availability
- You must be able to attend an in-person internship in one of NVIDIA’s eligible countries.
5. Submit Before the Deadline
- Student deadline: September 15, 2025, 3:00 PM Pacific Time.
- Recommender deadline: Three hours earlier (12:00 PM PT).
Evaluation & Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of over 80 senior NVIDIA engineers, led by the company’s Chief Scientist. The evaluation mainly considers:
- Student Quality – Coverinv previous academic performance and publications.
- Research Quality – Research proposal (if any) in Y or higher catergory journal.
- Alignment with NVIDIA’s Goals – Potential to keep participation in GPU and computing innovation.
Tips for a Strong Research Proposal
- Show Your Vision, Highlight GPU Relevance with NVIDIA technology.
- Share Your Achievements – Mention published papers, awards, or successful prototypes.
- Be Concise but Impactful – Use visuals where needed, but stay within the 2-page limit.
Terms & Conditions – Simplified
- Award funds must be used for tuition, fees, and stipend.
- No overhead costs are allowed.
- Fellowship is tied to the recipient — it cannot be transferred.
- Internship completion is mandatory before fellowship year.
- Award amounts may vary depending on location.
Past Fellows’ Success Stories
Many past recipients credit the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship with accelerating their research timelines, expanding their technical capabilities, and connecting them with leaders in the field. Alumni have gone on to contribute to major breakthroughs in AI, scientific computing, and autonomous vehicle technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply in my first year of PhD?A: You must complete at least one year before applying.
Q: Are international students eligible?A: Yes, as long as you can complete the internship in an eligible country.
Q: Do I need published papers?A: At least one strong publication is recommended for competitiveness.
Q: Can I apply more than once?A: Yes, there’s no limit on how many years you can apply.
Timeline & Next Steps
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Pacific Time), both for your final submission and recommender letters.
- Decision Notifications: Sent by end of November 2025.
For more details please visit the university official website.