The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026 is a prestigious and highly competitive fellowship designed to support PhD students who are conducting groundbreaking research in computer science, engineering, and related fields. With its focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and accelerated computing, this fellowship provides not only financial support but also professional mentorship from leading experts at NVIDIA.
NVIDIA, headquartered in the USA, is a global leader in GPU technology and AI innovation. The fellowship is unique because it combines academic research support with industry collaboration, offering scholars both funding and real-world exposure.
Benefits of the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026
Selected fellows will receive extensive benefits that make this program one of the most valuable in the tech research world:
- Funding up to $60,000 per recipient.
- Coverage of tuition, stipends, and mandatory fees for the academic year.
- Opportunity to conduct an in-person summer internship at NVIDIA’s global research offices (USA, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, and Taiwan).
- Access to NVIDIA’s cutting-edge products, tools, and mentorship from industry experts.
- A chance to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in academia and industry.
Eligibility Criteria for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026
To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Must have completed the first year of PhD studies at the time of application.
- Must be pursuing majors in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, System Architecture, or closely related fields.
- Must be actively engaged in research relevant to NVIDIA’s areas of focus.
- Must be enrolled as a full-time PhD student during the 2026–2027 academic year (not expecting to graduate before May/June 2027).
- Must be available for a mandatory in-person summer internship prior to the fellowship year.
- Cannot be an immediate family member of a current NVIDIA employee.
Required Documents for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Research summary or thesis proposal (maximum 2 pages, excluding bibliography).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with full contact details.
- Two to three professor nomination letters (must include one from the thesis advisor).
- Confirmation of availability for summer internship at NVIDIA.
Tip: Submit documents in PDF format and ensure recommendation letters are uploaded before the deadline.
Application Timeline for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026
- Application Opens: Currently open
- Deadline: September 15, 2025 (3:00 PM Pacific Time)
- Final Decision Notifications: End of November 2025
How to Apply for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026
Follow these steps for a successful application:
- Start your student profile on the NVIDIA Fellowship application portal.
- Prepare your research summary and CV (make sure they highlight your innovation and relevance to NVIDIA’s focus areas).
- Add your recommenders to the portal early so they have time to submit letters.
- Monitor recommendation status in the portal until all letters show as “completed.”
- Submit the final application before the deadline (September 15, 2025).
Pro Tips:
- Communicate with your professors well ahead of time to secure strong nomination letters.
- Highlight how your research contributes to AI, GPUs, and accelerated computing.
- Submit early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
FAQs about the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026
Is the fellowship open to international students?
Yes, students from all countries are eligible.
Can I reapply if I received the fellowship before?
Yes, but restrictions apply depending on previous awards.
Do I need published papers to apply?
No, but demonstrated research excellence is expected.
Will the fellowship payment go directly to me?
No, funds are administered through your university.
Final Thoughts on the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026
The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2026 is more than just funding—it’s a chance to join a global network of innovators shaping the future of AI and high-performance computing. With $60,000 in funding, mentorship, and an NVIDIA internship, this fellowship equips PhD students with the resources to advance their research and careers.
If you are a PhD student passionate about pushing the boundaries of computing, this is your opportunity. Apply before September 15, 2025, and take your research to the next level with NVIDIA.