The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026 represents one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding opportunities available to PhD students worldwide.
With funding of up to $60,000, this program continues NVIDIA’s 25-year tradition of supporting exceptional doctoral researchers in cutting-edge technology fields.
What is the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program?
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program is a highly competitive scholarship initiative designed to support outstanding PhD students conducting research in accelerated computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous vehicle technologies.
This program not only provides substantial financial support but also offers invaluable industry connections and hands-on experience through mandatory internships.
Key NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Highlights
– Funding Amount: Up to $60,000 per recipient
– Duration: One academic year
– Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
– Notification: End of November 2025
– Host Organization: NVIDIA Corporation
– Program History: 25 years of supporting doctoral research
Comprehensive Eligibility Requirements
NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Academic Prerequisites
To qualify for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet specific academic criteria:
Primary Requirements:
– Currently enrolled in a full-time PhD program
– Completed at least one year of doctoral studies by application deadline
– Actively engaged in research relevant to accelerated computing
– Enrolled in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, System Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Geographic Eligibility
The program welcomes applications from students of all nationalities, making it truly global in scope. However, fellowship internships are limited to specific locations:
Supported Internship Locations:
– United States
– Canada
– Germany
– Sweden
– Finland
– Switzerland
– Israel
– Taiwan
Research Focus Areas
NVIDIA particularly encourages applications from students working in:
– Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
– Robotics and Automation
– Autonomous Vehicles and Transportation
– Computer Graphics and Visualization
– High-Performance Computing
– Computer Vision
– Natural Language Processing
– Accelerated Computing Applications
Exceptional Benefits and Opportunities
Financial Support Package
The $60,000 fellowship award is designed to comprehensively support doctoral research:
Covered Expenses:
– Full or partial tuition coverage
– Living stipends
– Mandatory university fees
– Research-related expenses
Professional Development Components
Beyond financial support, fellows receive:
Industry Access:
– Access to cutting-edge NVIDIA products and technology
– Mentorship from industry-leading engineers and researchers
– Direct collaboration opportunities with NVIDIA teams
Mandatory Internship Program:
– Full-time summer internship at NVIDIA
– Hands-on experience with real-world applications
– Networking with industry professionals
– Potential for future employment opportunities
Research Enhancement
Fellows gain access to:
- Latest GPU hardware for computational research
- NVIDIA software development tools
- Technical consultation from NVIDIA architects
- Opportunity to influence future technology directions
Step-by-Step Application Process for NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship
Phase 1: Preparation (June – August 2025)
Document Preparation:
1. Research Summary/Thesis Proposal (Maximum 2 pages plus bibliography)
- Clear research objectives and methodology
- Relevance to accelerated computing
- Expected contributions to the field
- Timeline and milestones
2. Comprehensive Resume/CV
- Academic achievements and publications
- Research experience
- Technical skills and competencies
- Contact information
3. Recommendation Letters (2-3 required)
- At least one from thesis advisor/supervisor
- Focus on research potential and achievements
- Academic and professional references
Phase 2: Online Application (August – September 2025)
Portal Registration:
1. Create student profile on NVIDIA’s fellowship portal
2. Complete all required sections
3. Upload prepared documents
4. Add recommender contact information
Quality Assurance:
- Review all submitted materials for accuracy
- Ensure compliance with formatting requirements
- Verify recommendation letter submissions
- Confirm internship availability
Phase 3: Submission and Follow-up
Final Submission Requirements:
- Complete application submission before 3:00 PM Pacific Time, September 15, 2025
- Monitor recommendation letter status
- Follow up with recommenders as needed
- Maintain communication with university administrators
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
Review Committee Structure
The selection process involves a distinguished committee led by NVIDIA’s Chief Scientist, Bill Dally, comprising over 80 senior technical staff and managers from research and development groups across the company.
Evaluation Timeline
Review Process Duration: Approximately 8 weeks
Notification Date: End of November 2025
Key Selection Factors
Academic Excellence:
– Publication record in top-tier venues
– Research innovation and potential impact
– Academic performance and achievements
Research Relevance:
– Alignment with NVIDIA’s strategic interests
– Potential for breakthrough discoveries
– Practical applications and industry relevance
Professional Potential:
– Leadership qualities and initiative
– Communication skills and presentation ability
– Long-term career trajectory
Financial Considerations and Award Terms
Award Structure and Distribution
The fellowship award is structured as an unrestricted gift to the university for disbursement to the student, ensuring maximum flexibility in fund utilization.
Important Financial Terms:
– Awards are issued directly to universities, not students
– No overhead or indirect costs may be charged
– Award amount cannot exceed actual costs of stipend, tuition, and mandatory fees
– Awards are non-transferable between students
Combining with Other Fellowships
The possibility of combining the NVIDIA fellowship with other awards depends on various factors. Prospective applicants should contact the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship program directly for specific guidance regarding their individual situations.
Tax Implications
Fellows should consult with tax professionals regarding the tax implications of fellowship awards, as regulations vary by country and individual circumstances.
Success Stories and Alumni Impact
Notable Alumni Achievements
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship program has produced numerous industry leaders and academic pioneers:
Industry Integration Success:
– Direct collaboration between academic research and industry applications
– Accelerated adoption of innovations across the broader computing community
– Enhanced career opportunities for fellows
Research Impact Areas
Fellows have contributed significantly to:
– GPU Computing Revolution: Advancing high-performance computing applications
– Scientific Discovery: Accelerating time-to-discovery in various research fields
– Industry Innovation: Bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Requirements
Q: Can I include images in my research proposal?
A: Yes, images are permitted within the 2-page limit. The bibliography does not count toward this limit.
Q: Do I need published papers to be competitive?
A: While not strictly required, competitive applicants typically have at least one strong publication in a top-tier venue.
Eligibility Clarifications
Q: Can first-year PhD students apply?
A: While eligible, first-year students are unlikely to be selected due to limited research track record. The requirement for one completed year ensures sufficient research experience.
Q: Are there limits on multiple awards?
A: No limits exist on the number of times a student can receive the fellowship (maximum one per year) or the number of awards per university.
International Considerations
Q: Are international students eligible?
A: Yes, all nationalities are welcome to apply. However, award amounts may vary by location, and internships are limited to specific countries.
Strategic Application Tips
Research Proposal Excellence:
– Clearly articulate research significance and innovation
– Demonstrate direct relevance to accelerated computing
– Include preliminary results and validation
– Present realistic timelines and milestones
Professional Presentation:
– Highlight publication record and research impact
– Emphasize technical skills relevant to NVIDIA’s interests
– Showcase leadership experience and collaborative abilities
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
– Late submission of recommendation letters
– Inadequate research proposal development
– Poor alignment with NVIDIA’s research interests
– Incomplete or poorly formatted application materials
Future Career Implications
Industry Networking Opportunities
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship provides unparalleled access to:
– Senior technical leadership at NVIDIA
– Collaborative research opportunities
– Industry conference presentations
– Patent and publication opportunities
Long-term Career Benefits
Fellows typically experience:
– Enhanced job market competitiveness
– Industry connections and mentorship
– Access to cutting-edge research resources
– Potential for continued NVIDIA collaboration
Alternative Funding Opportunities
While the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship represents exceptional value, students should also consider:
Other Technology Industry Fellowships:
– Google PhD Fellowship Program
– Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship
– Adobe Research Fellowship
– Facebook Fellowship Program
Government and Foundation Funding:
– National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
– Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
– Hertz Foundation Fellowship
– Ford Foundation Fellowship