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NVIDIA International Graduate Fellowship 2027/2028: PhD Research Funding

The NVIDIA International Graduate Fellowship Program offers up to $60,000 for PhD students worldwide conducting research in accelerated computing. Fellows complete a summer internship at NVIDIA before receiving nine months of funding.

October 2, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Oct 30, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryUnited States (internship locations); award administered through home university
Degree LevelPhD
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyAccelerated Computing, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, System Architecture
DeadlineOctober 30, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The NVIDIA International Graduate Fellowship Program 2027/2028 is a competitive research award for doctoral students worldwide. The program provides substantial financial support for PhD research that advances accelerated computing, including GPU computing, artificial intelligence, and related fields. Fellows gain direct access to NVIDIA researchers and must complete a required in-person summer internship before the fellowship year begins.

This fellowship is particularly relevant for African PhD students, including those from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, who are pursuing advanced research in computer science, computer engineering, and related technical fields. The program’s global reach and focus on cutting-edge computing research make it an exceptional opportunity for scholars from underrepresented regions to access world-class resources and professional networks.

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What the Fellowship Covers

The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship provides:

  • Research funding: Up to $60,000 per award for the nine-month fellowship period
  • Research collaboration: Direct engagement with NVIDIA researchers and access to NVIDIA technology
  • Professional experience: Paid summer internship at an eligible NVIDIA research office

Important: The award is administered through your university. Payment goes directly to the institution, not to the individual fellow.

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Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet all of the following criteria:

  • PhD progress: Complete your first year of PhD-level studies before applying. Exceptional cases may be considered—consult the FAQ for guidance
  • Field of study: Major in computer science, computer engineering, system architecture, electrical engineering, or a closely related area
  • Active research: Be actively engaged in research as part of your PhD thesis
  • Enrollment status: Remain a full-time, active PhD student throughout the nine-month award year. Do not plan to graduate before the end of that academic year
  • Internship availability: Be available to complete a required in-person summer internship at an eligible NVIDIA research office before the Fellowship year begins
  • Conflict of interest: Full-time NVIDIA employees and immediate family members of NVIDIA employees cannot participate

Required Application Documents

Prepare these four items for submission through the online portal:

  1. Research proposal: Maximum 2 pages plus bibliography. The bibliography does not count toward the page limit. Include your name at the top; all text and images must fit within 2 pages
  2. Resume or CV: Include complete contact information
  3. Recommendation letters: 2–3 letters required. At least one must come from your thesis advisor or professor. Additional letters may come from non-professors. Maximum 3 letters accepted
  4. Internship confirmation: Confirm availability for the required in-person summer internship

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your application:

  1. Access the submission portal through the official NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship webpage
  2. Create an account or log in to manage your application
  3. Upload your research proposal, ensuring it meets the 2-page limit (excluding bibliography)
  4. Upload your resume or CV with current contact details
  5. Request 2–3 recommendation letters through the portal, ensuring at least one comes from your thesis advisor
  6. Confirm your availability for the summer internship requirement
  7. Submit your complete application before the deadline

Your university must administer the award, so coordinate with your department’s graduate office regarding institutional approval processes.

Important Dates

  • Application opens: Applications are currently open for the 2027/2028 cycle
  • Application deadline: October 30, 2026
  • Summer internship: Required in-person internship before the fellowship year begins
  • Fellowship period: Nine-month award year (2027/2028 academic year)

Tips for African Applicants

For applicants from Zimbabwe, SADC countries, and across Africa:

  • Visa planning: The required in-person summer internship at NVIDIA research offices (located in the United States and other countries) will require appropriate work authorization. Begin visa inquiries early with your university’s international office
  • Research alignment: Ensure your proposed research clearly connects to NVIDIA’s core interests in accelerated computing, AI, graphics, or related fields
  • Advisor support: Secure strong endorsement from your thesis advisor, as their letter carries significant weight
  • University coordination: Confirm your institution can receive and administer the award payment before applying
  • Network building: Use the internship period to build professional relationships that can support your post-PhD career

About NVIDIA

NVIDIA is a global technology company pioneering accelerated computing. The company designs graphics processing units (GPUs) for gaming and professional markets, as well as system-on-chip units for mobile computing and automotive markets. NVIDIA’s research programs support academic innovation in parallel computing, deep learning, and computer graphics.

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Up to $60,000 for nine-month fellowship period; includes required paid summer internship

Eligibility Criteria

PhD students who have completed first year of study; majors in computer science, computer engineering, system architecture, electrical engineering, or related fields; must remain enrolled full-time through award year; must complete summer internship before fellowship begins; not open to NVIDIA employees or their immediate family

Required Documents

Research proposal (2 pages plus bibliography), resume/CV, 2-3 recommendation letters (at least one from thesis advisor), internship availability confirmation

Application Process

Apply through online submission portal; upload documents; request recommendation letters through portal; university administers award
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. You must complete your first year of PhD-level studies before applying. The program is designed for students who have already established their research direction. Exceptional cases may be considered—consult the official FAQ for specific guidance.
The $60,000 is research funding provided to your university for the nine-month award period. Your university administers the award, and payment does not go directly to you. How the funds are allocated between stipend, tuition, and research expenses depends on your university's policies. Contact your graduate office for details.
The internship takes place at an eligible NVIDIA research office. NVIDIA has research locations in the United States and internationally. You must confirm your availability for an in-person internship before the fellowship year begins. Specific office locations are not published in the available research.
Selection rates are not published. The fellowship is highly competitive and awarded to exceptional PhD students worldwide. Strong candidates typically have: clear research alignment with NVIDIA's interests in accelerated computing, demonstrated research progress, strong recommendation letters (especially from thesis advisors), and confirmed availability for the internship requirement.
Yes. The program is open to PhD students worldwide, including those from African institutions. Your university must be able to administer the award and receive payment on your behalf. Confirm with your graduate studies office that they can handle international research awards before applying.
The summer internship is mandatory. You must confirm your availability as part of the application. If circumstances change after acceptance, you should contact NVIDIA immediately. Failure to complete the internship requirement would likely result in forfeiture of the fellowship.