Pull up a chair—let’s chat about something exciting if you’re into pushing the edges of PhD research in computing. The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program 2027 is a legit chance for doctoral students to land up to $60,000 to fuel their academic journey, get hands-on experience, and dive into industry-level innovation. There’s a lot to unpack, but stick with me—I’ll walk you through it all.
Program: Graduate Fellowship
Coverage: Up to $60,000
Nationality: International & domestic PhD students
Degree Level: PhD
Duration: 9-month academic year + mandatory summer internship
Host Country: USA (internships are also available in Germany, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, and Taiwan)
Purpose of the Program
This fellowship isn’t just about handing you money—it’s NVIDIA’s way of hooking up with the next generation of research leaders. It’s been around for more than 25 years, meant to back students who are exploring groundbreaking ideas—think accelerated computing, AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and beyond. The goal is to give you resources and mentorship so your research sparks real impact and stays ahead of the curve.
Eligibility
Here’s the nitty-gritty on who can apply. You’re in the running if you:
- Have completed at least your first year of PhD studies by the time you apply.
- Are studying in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, system architecture, or a related field—and your PhD research is underway.
- Are enrolled full-time during the 2027 academic year—so you shouldn’t graduate before May or June 2028.
- Are able to do a mandatory in-person summer internship before your Fellowship year at one of NVIDIA’s research sites (USA, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, or Taiwan).
- Are not an immediate family member of a current NVIDIA employee.
Benefits
This isn’t your everyday grant:
- Up to $60,000—that’s substantial support to fund stipend, tuition, mandatory fees, and basically keep your head above water so you can focus on research.
- Direct access to NVIDIA technology and people—imagine tapping into GPUs, tools, and the guidance of some of the brightest technical minds.
- Mandatory summer internship, giving you real-world immersion before your funded fellowship year even starts—rich exposure, even before the money kicks in.
Check out: Canada Study Permit 2025: Eligibility, Application Process, and Post-Graduation Benefits
Fields of Study
You don’t have to check every box, but your work should resonate with NVIDIA’s core research interests:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Autonomous Vehicles & Robotics
- Computer Vision, System Architecture, and related tech areas
If your research touches on accelerating computing, GPUs, or pushing computing’s boundaries—you’re speaking NVIDIA’s language.
Deadlines
Applications are closed for the academic year 2026. Keep an eye on official website for new openings and deadlines.
Check out: University of Adelaide Global Citizens International Scholarship 2025 (Study in Australia).
Application Process
Let’s break it into manageable steps:
- Set up your student profile in NVIDIA’s submission portal—seriously, do this early; you can come back and tweak as you prep.
- Submit key materials:
- Research summary/thesis proposal (max 2 pages, images allowed; bibliography doesn’t count toward the 2 pages).
- Resume or CV with contact details
- At least two nomination letters, including one from your thesis advisor (up to three total).
- Confirmation you can do that summer internship
- Manage recommendation letters—invite professors early, follow up, and keep checking the portal so nothing slips.
- Submit your application only after you know all letters are in and before the deadline.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are judged across three pillars:
- Student quality—strong GPA, achievements, and recommendation letters matter
- Research quality—what you’ve achieved so far, publication record, clarity, and potential of your two-page proposal
- Relevance to NVIDIA—how your work aligns with GPU design, performance, or acceleration opportunities; if it could shape future GPU tech, that’s a big plus
Tips That Help
They’ve even shared a few hints that feel like little gold nuggets:
- Articulate your vision: before NVIDIA invests in your thesis, they’re investing in your potential. What will change because of your work? How might your internship fit into that path?
- Show what you’ve done: that first year shouldn’t just be coursework. They want to see publications or research progress to date.
- Draw the connection to NVIDIA tech:Be explicit—say whether you’re using GPUs or if your algorithms might shape how GPUs evolve.
- Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak personally—not just someone notable who barely remembers you. And give them plenty of time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hustling for a PhD and want not just funding but a seat at the table—NVIDIA’s Graduate Fellowship could be your match. It’s generous, it’s meaningful, and it forces you to prep well, think long-term, and connect your academic work directly to industry impact.
You’ve worked hard to get here. Let that shine through in your proposal, your CV, and your story. Start the application process now, coach your recommenders gently, and give yourself space to let your vision take center stage.
You’re already a researcher. Now go show them how you’ll shape the future of computing.
Official Program Website: https://research.nvidia.com/graduate-fellowships