The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship 2026 offers up to $60,000 in funding, a mandatory summer internship, and access to NVIDIA’s global research network for PhD students in AI, GPU computing, robotics, and related fields. Open to candidates graduating no earlier than mid-2027, the program emphasizes research excellence, innovation, and alignment with NVIDIA’s mission. Applications—including a research proposal, CV, recommendation letters, and internship confirmation—are due by September 15, 2025, with results announced by November 2025.
Key Takeaways
What Makes the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Unique in 2026
When it comes to research funding, there are plenty of fellowships out there—but the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship isn’t your typical grant. Now in its 25th year, this program is designed specifically for PhD students working at the cutting edge of AI, machine learning, robotics, autonomous systems, and GPU technology. What makes it stand out is not just the generous funding but the direct access to NVIDIA’s world-class engineers, labs, and infrastructure.
The fellowship’s structure ensures that recipients aren’t just getting money—they’re gaining a high-value career experience. The program includes a mandatory summer internship at one of NVIDIA’s global research offices, allowing scholars to take their work from theory to application. With research spanning everything from advanced deep learning models to GPU performance optimization, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to technologies shaping the future.
Who Can Apply for the 2026 NVIDIA Fellowship
The eligibility bar for this fellowship is intentionally high. To qualify, you must already be a full-time PhD student by the application deadline and have at least one year of doctoral study completed. Your expected graduation date should be no earlier than May or June 2027, which ensures that NVIDIA’s mentorship and funding align with your research timeline.
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The fellowship is aimed at researchers whose work directly connects to NVIDIA’s mission—think GPU architecture, accelerated computing, deep learning frameworks, autonomous vehicles, and similar high-impact areas. You’ll also need to be engaged in active research that forms part of your PhD thesis. And, importantly, you must be available for the required in-person summer internship at one of NVIDIA’s research hubs in locations including the USA, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, or Taiwan.
Funding and Career Benefits You Can Expect
Successful applicants can receive up to $60,000 in total funding, which can cover research expenses, tuition, and living costs. But the financial side is just part of the deal—the real benefit lies in the access to NVIDIA’s expertise and facilities. During your internship, you’ll work alongside NVIDIA researchers, gaining insights that can accelerate both your project and your career.
Beyond the internship, the fellowship opens the door to networking with some of the brightest minds in computing and engineering. Your research may even be integrated into NVIDIA’s broader projects, giving you a chance to see your work have a real-world impact. In short, this is not just an academic opportunity—it’s a career-defining experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Applying for the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship requires careful planning. Here’s the process:
- Confirm your eligibility – Make sure you meet the PhD enrollment, research area, and graduation date criteria.
- Prepare your research proposal – NVIDIA requires a clear, concise 2-page document (plus bibliography) outlining your research goals, methods, and potential impact.
- Update your CV – Include publications, presentations, academic achievements, and relevant experience.
- Secure recommendations – You’ll need at least two recommendation letters, one of which must be from your thesis advisor. These should speak to your academic excellence and research potential.
- Verify internship availability – You must confirm your willingness and ability to attend the summer internship.
- Submit through NVIDIA’s online portal – Ensure all documents, including recommendations, are uploaded before the deadline.
Important Dates and Deadlines to Remember
Timing is critical for this fellowship. For the 2026 cycle, both the application and recommendation letters must be submitted by September 15, 2025 (Pacific Time). Final selections will be announced by the end of November 2025, giving you ample time to plan your research and relocation for the internship.
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Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
With applicants from leading research institutions worldwide, you’ll need to make your proposal impossible to ignore. Begin by ensuring your research aligns directly with NVIDIA’s strategic focus areas. Use your proposal to clearly show how your work pushes boundaries, solves real-world problems, or enhances GPU technology.
Highlight your track record—publications, conference presentations, awards, or any prior collaborations with industry leaders. Strong recommendation letters can tip the scales, so choose referees who can speak to both your technical expertise and your innovation potential. Finally, remember that clarity is key; even complex ideas should be presented in a way that’s easy to grasp for reviewers from different technical backgrounds.
Reference: https://research.nvidia.com/graduate-fellowships
Karan Rawat
Content strategist and Full-time editor of The Immigration World. Karan focuses on simplifying complex immigration rules and scholarship opportunities into clear, practical guidance for global readers. Passionate about making international relocation easier for everyone.
