About the opportunity
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program provides funding and direct collaboration opportunities for PhD researchers whose work advances accelerated computing. Fellows receive up to $60,000 per award, administered through their university to cover stipend, tuition, and mandatory fees. In addition to financial support, recipients work directly with NVIDIA researchers and technology, complete a mandatory in-person summer internship prior to the award year, and have opportunities to present their research at GTC. The program fosters direct interaction between industry and academia to help accelerate innovations across the broader community.
Funding and benefits
- Research funding of up to $60,000 per award, administered through the recipient's university for stipend, tuition, and mandatory fees
- Direct research collaboration with NVIDIA researchers and access to technology
- Required in-person summer internship at an eligible NVIDIA research office before the fellowship award year
- Opportunity to present research at GTC San Jose
Who can apply?
- Must have completed the first year of PhD-level studies before applying
- Must major in computer science, computer engineering, system architecture, electrical engineering, or a related area
- Must be actively engaged in research as part of a PhD thesis
- Must remain a full-time, active PhD student throughout the nine-month award year and not plan to graduate before its end
- Must be available for a mandatory in-person summer internship at an eligible NVIDIA research office before the fellowship year begins
- Full-time NVIDIA employees and their immediate family members cannot participate
- University must administer the award
Required documents
- Research proposal of up to 2 pages, plus a bibliography
- Resume or CV including contact information
- 2 to 3 recommendation letters, including one from the thesis advisor or professor
- Confirmation of internship availability
When to apply
- Applications open on September 30, 2026
- Application deadline, including recommendation letters, is October 30, 2026
- Winner notifications are issued on January 15, 2027
How to apply
- Create a profile in the submission portal and start early
- Complete application fields, upload the research proposal and resume or CV, and confirm internship availability
- Invite recommenders through the portal by adding their contact details
- Monitor recommendation status to ensure every required letter is marked completed by October 30, 2026
- Submit the final application through the submission portal once all materials and letters are complete
Additional information
- Internship locations are available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, Taiwan, and Singapore
- International PhD students are eligible to apply
- Current recipients may reapply each year they are enrolled full-time through the year before completing their PhD
- There is no limit on repeat awards, but a student can receive only one award per year
- Awards are issued to the university as an unrestricted gift and no overhead or indirect costs may be charged to the award
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Doctoral researchers specializing in computer science, electrical engineering, AI, robotics, or system architecture with a strong publication track record
- Students looking to build direct collaborative relationships with industry engineers and gain access to advanced hardware and NVIDIA technology
- Applicants eager to combine academic research with practical industry experience through a structured summer internship
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must commit to completing a mandatory in-person summer internship at an approved NVIDIA office before the fellowship year begins
- Candidates must have completed at least their first year of PhD studies and typically need a solid publication record to be competitive
- The award amount is capped at actual costs for stipend, tuition, and mandatory fees, and university-specific restrictions or combining with other fellowships require careful review
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship supports advanced doctoral researchers aiming to bridge academic theory with cutting-edge industry applications in accelerated computing. It offers a valuable platform to secure funding, validate high-impact research, and establish professional networks within a leading technology organization without interrupting full-time PhD progress.
Our take
PhD candidates working in accelerated computing and related domains with an established research and publication record should strongly consider applying. Those who cannot fulfill the in-person summer internship requirement or are earlier than their second year of doctoral studies will find the opportunity less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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