NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026-2027 USA

NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2026-2027 – Fully Funded $60,000 Award for PhD Research in AI, Robotics & GPU Technologies

The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program is one of the world’s most prestigious funding opportunities for doctoral students engaged in cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, autonomous systems, GPU architecture, and related fields. Now in its 25th year, the program provides up to USD $60,000 in funding, direct access to NVIDIA’s advanced technologies, mentorship from leading engineers, and a mandatory in-person summer internship at one of NVIDIA’s global research facilities.

Since its inception, the fellowship has supported some of the brightest minds in technology, accelerating groundbreaking research and building connections with industry leaders. For the 2026-2027 academic year, applications are now open to full-time PhD students worldwide who are ready to push the limits of GPU-powered innovation.

Quick Facts – NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2026/2027

About the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program

The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship stands out for its unique combination of substantial financial support, hands-on industry collaboration, and technical mentorship. NVIDIA invests in academic talent as a way to advance technology, strengthen industry connections, and drive future innovation.

Key program features include:

• Significant research funding

• Access to NVIDIA’s products and platforms

• Direct collaboration with NVIDIA engineers

• A 3–4 month summer internship prior to the fellowship year

Why This Fellowship Matters

Joining NVIDIA is a dream for many tech researchers. This fellowship not only offers financial support-covering tuition, fees, and living stipends-but also provides career-shaping opportunities. Fellows work on technologies influencing industries from healthcare and automotive to climate science and space exploration.

NVIDIA’s current areas of focus include:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• High-Performance Computing

• Autonomous Systems

• Robotics and Computer Vision

• Medical Imaging and Simulation

Fellowship Benefits

• Generous Funding – Up to USD $60,000 for stipend, tuition, and fees.

• Internship Opportunity – Work directly with NVIDIA engineers and researchers.

• Cutting-Edge Resources – Access to the latest NVIDIA hardware, software, and AI tools.

• Networking – Collaborate with top-tier PhD students and industry leaders.

• Global Exposure – Internship options in multiple countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2026/2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Standing: Completed at least one year of PhD studies before the deadline and remain enrolled full-time through the fellowship year (graduation no earlier than May/June 2027).

• Field of Study: Research in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, System Architecture, or related areas.

• Internship Availability: Ability to complete an in-person summer internship in one of the eligible countries.

• Restrictions: Immediate family members of NVIDIA employees are not eligible.

• Funding Structure: Funds are administered through the recipient’s university.

Research Areas of Interest

NVIDIA seeks research proposals that push boundaries in:

• AI & Machine Learning – Including deep learning optimization and large-scale AI training.

• Robotics & Autonomous Systems – Enhancing perception, decision-making, and navigation.

• GPU Architecture & Performance – Innovations influencing next-generation GPU design.

• Accelerated Computing Applications – Including medical imaging, climate modeling, and more.

• Automotive Technologies – Self-driving algorithms, safety systems, and simulations.

Application Process

1. Prepare Research Proposal – Two pages plus bibliography, highlighting research goals, progress, and alignment with NVIDIA’s focus areas.

2. Prepare Resume (CV) – Include contact details, education, publications, and relevant experience.

3. Obtain Recommendation Letters – Two to three letters, with at least one from your thesis advisor.

4. Confirm Internship Availability – Ensure eligibility for an in-person internship.

5. Submit Online – Through NVIDIA’s submission portal by September 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM PT (recommenders’ deadline is 12:00 PM PT).

Evaluation & Selection

Applications are reviewed by over 80 senior NVIDIA engineers, led by the Chief Scientist. Selection is based on:

• Academic performance and research track record

• Quality and potential impact of research

• Alignment with NVIDIA’s mission and technology roadmap

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Highlight GPU relevance in your research.

• Include achievements such as published papers, awards, or successful prototypes.

• Be concise yet impactful, using visuals only if necessary.

Terms & Conditions

• Funds must be used for tuition, fees, and stipend.

• No overhead costs allowed.

• Fellowship is non-transferable.

• Internship completion is mandatory before the fellowship year.

• Award amounts may vary by location.

Timeline

• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

• Recommendation Deadline: September 15, 2025 (12:00 PM PT)

• Results Announcement: By end of November 2025

Graduate Fellowship FAQs

1. Can I include images in my 2-page research proposal?
Yes. Images are allowed as long as the entire proposal (text and images) fits within the two-page limit. The bibliography does not count toward this limit.

2. Is there a specific research field requirement in EE, CE, or CS?
No. NVIDIA considers various engineering fields that intersect with its research interests.

3. I am starting my PhD this Fall. Am I eligible?
You should have completed at least one year of your PhD program by the application deadline. While new students can apply, those without a research track record are less likely to be awarded unless they have exceptional prior experience. Reviewing past recipients may help you assess your competitiveness.

4. Do I need to have accepted publications?
Yes, to be competitive. Most past recipients have multiple publications in top-tier venues. At minimum, you should have one strong publication.

5. How many times can a student receive the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship?
There is no lifetime limit. However, you can only receive one award per academic year.

6. Is there a limit per university or research team?
No. Multiple students from the same institution or team may be awarded, provided their research projects are distinct and relevant to NVIDIA.

7. I am a current fellowship recipient. Can I reapply?
Yes. You may apply each year you are enrolled full-time, up until the year before completing your PhD.

8. Are international PhD students eligible?
Yes. International students can apply, but fellowship amounts may vary by country. Internships are only available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, and Taiwan.

9. Can I have more than one professor nomination letter?
Yes. You may submit up to three letters, including at least one from your thesis advisor. Non-professor letters are acceptable if they come from someone familiar with your research.

10. What if my professor does not submit the nomination letter?
A minimum of one letter from your thesis advisor and one additional letter is required. It is your responsibility to follow up with recommenders to ensure timely submission.

11. How are recipients selected?
A committee of over 80 senior NVIDIA engineers, led by the Chief Scientist, reviews all applications competitively in multiple sessions over approximately eight weeks. Due to the high quality of applications, not all qualified candidates are selected.

12. Can I work a part-time job during the fellowship?
The fellowship aims to eliminate the need for outside work, allowing full focus on research. Part-time work may be acceptable if it benefits your PhD progress, does not create a conflict of interest, and you remain enrolled full-time.