The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship is one of the most prestigious research awards for PhD students in computing fields. Each year, it provides up to $60,000 in funding, mentorship from NVIDIA researchers, and a mandatory summer internship at NVIDIA research labs.
The 2025 cycle, which supports studies for the 2026–2027 academic year, presents a golden opportunity for PhD candidates whose work aligns with cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, GPU architecture, high-performance computing (HPC), robotics, computer vision, and system design.
If you are planning to apply, timing and preparation are crucial. Below is a structured guide with eligibility details, deadlines, research fit examples, a proposal template, and the complete application process.
Quick Summary of NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2025
| Key Detail | Information |
| Funding Amount | Up to $60,000 + paid NVIDIA internship |
| Eligibility | PhD students (1+ year completed, enrolled through 2026–2027, not graduating before June 2027) |
| Research Areas | AI, ML, GPU computing, HPC, robotics, system architecture, graphics, computational biology |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2025 – 12:00 PM PT (letters), 3:00 PM PT (application) |
| Documents Required | CV, 2-page research proposal + bibliography, 2–3 recommendation letters (one from advisor) |
| Internship Requirement | Full-time, in-person summer internship at NVIDIA research lab |
| Award Administration | Through the applicant’s university |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be enrolled full-time in a PhD program during the 2026–2027 academic year
- Have completed at least one year of PhD study by the application date
- Not graduated before May/June 2027
- Conduct research in areas relevant to computer science, engineering, GPU computing, or related fields
- Be available for a summer internship at NVIDIA research labs before the fellowship year
- Submit the fellowship award through their university, not individually
- Not be an immediate family member of an NVIDIA employee
Benefits of the Fellowship
- Financial Support: Up to $60,000 to cover research and academic costs
- Hands-On Internship: Opportunity to work alongside top NVIDIA researchers in real-world labs
- Mentorship: Direct guidance from industry leaders in GPU and AI innovation
- Networking: Access to NVIDIA’s global community of scientists, engineers, and fellows
Research Fit Examples
Strong applications often align with NVIDIA’s innovation priorities. Research that typically fits well includes:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – Optimised architectures, generative AI, real-time inference models
- High-Performance Computing (HPC) – Scaling parallel GPU systems for scientific breakthroughs
- Autonomous Systems & Robotics – Real-time navigation, AI-driven robotics perception
- Computer Graphics & Vision – Neural rendering, real-time simulation, advanced visualisation
- System Architecture – Low-power GPU design, interconnect efficiency, scalable hardware
- Computational Biology & Healthcare – Accelerated simulations for genomics, AI for medical imaging
Application Process and Deadlines
To be considered, applicants must submit all required materials by the strict deadlines:
Deadlines
- Letters of Recommendation: noon Pacific Time, September 15, 2025
- Full Application Submission: 3:00 PM Pacific Time, September 15, 2025
Required Documents
- Research Proposal: Maximum 2 pages (excluding bibliography), outlining goals, progress, and innovation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight academic history, publications, achievements, and contact details.
- Letters of Recommendation: 2–3 letters, with at least one from your PhD advisor.
- Confirmation of Internship Availability: Commitment to a full-time NVIDIA internship.
Note: Late submissions will not be accepted, and both the student and recommenders must meet the deadlines.
For more details about application click here.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are reviewed on three key aspects:
- Student Quality – GPA, academic excellence, publications, and reference strength
- Research Quality – Innovation, clarity of proposal, results to date, and feasibility
- Relevance to NVIDIA – Connection to NVIDIA’s technology ecosystem and potential industry impact
Template Timeline for Applicants (September 15, 2025 Deadline)
| Timeline | Task |
| August 2025 | Draft research proposal and identify recommenders |
| Early September | Finalize CV, send official recommendation requests |
| By Sept 10 | Ensure recommenders have uploaded letters |
| Sept 14 | Final proofread of proposal and documents |
| Sept 15 | Submit: Letters by 12 PM PT, Application by 3 PM PT |
One-Page Proposal Structure
Your proposal must be clear, innovative, and concise. A suggested outline is:
- Title & Applicant Info
- Introduction (Context + Research Question)
- Background & Previous Work
- Objectives & Innovation (What’s New?)
- Methodology (Approach + Tools)
- Connection to NVIDIA (Relevance to GPUs/AI/HPC)
- Internship Goals (What you aim to gain and contribute)
- Bibliography (on a separate page)
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