PhD Plus is excited to support UVA graduate students applying for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) in 2026. This year, GRFP applications are due between October 19 and October 23. We want to ensure that UVA graduate students have as much time as possible to refine their materials, and have scheduled events throughout the summer and fall to help them craft the strongest possible application.
UVA applicants have access to virtual workshops, mini-writing retreats, feedback sessions, and online materials designed to help you strengthen your application by providing insight into the entire process—from drafting your materials to understanding the national review. To help you plan and set goals over the summer and fall, please refer to our PhD Plus - GRFP Preparation Timeline, which includes a month-by-month breakdown of the PhD Plus workshops and events, as well as tips, important reminders, and deadlines.
If you have questions about any of the events below or would like to discuss any of the information we covered, please email Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg ([email protected]) or Sam Lake ([email protected]).
PhD Plus - Understanding the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program & How to Get Started
Asynchronous Zoom webinar
This introductory webinar will help you get started with your GRFP application. It includes an overview of the fellowship program and application elements, reviews the eligibility requirements, highlights the support UVA provides for applicants, and helps participants take the first steps toward preparing their applications.
Email Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg ([email protected]) to gain access to the workshop resources and recording.
PhD Plus - Fellowship & Grant Workshop Series
This summer's workshop series supports graduate students and postdocs who are planning to apply for graduate or postgraduate fellowship opportunities. Participants gain insight into what reviewers are looking for, develop a better understanding of what made past applications successful, begin drafting application materials that highlight individual experiences and strengths, receive small group feedback on personal and research statement ideas, and more. This series is applicable to students and postdocs in ANY field.
Students who are planning to apply for the NSF GRFP this fall are strongly encouraged to participate. UVA graduate students or postdocs who participate in four or more sessions and a Peer Feedback Session (or one-on-one consultation with a member of the PhD Plus team) will be eligible to receive a digital badge, issued by the PhD Plus Program through Credly, that demonstrates proof of completion of the program.
Email Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg for access to recordings of the 2026 summer series.
PhD Plus - NSF GRFP Bootcamp
August 24 2026, 10am-12:30pm (hybrid)
For graduate students interested in applying to the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, PhD Plus will host an application bootcamp in late summer to dive deeper into the application process. The bootcamp provides insight into what reviewers are looking for, a chance to break down and understand the strengths of past applications, small group feedback on your personal and research statement ideas, and more.
Email Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg for a recording of the GRFP Bootcamp.
PhD Plus - Mini-Writing Retreats
Fall 2026 Dates and Times
- Sept. 9 (Wednesday) from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
- Sept. 17 (Thursday) from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sept. 25 (Friday) from 2:30 - 4:30 PM
- Oct. 1 (Thursday) from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Oct. 9 (Friday) from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Oct. 12 (Monday) from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Oct. 21 (Wednesday) from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- Oct. 29 (Thursday) from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Register here for the Fall Mini Writing Retreats
PhD Plus - GRFP Materials Review
To continue our support for UVA graduate students applying for the GRFP, PhD Plus will be hosting GRFP materials review sessions during the week of September 28, several weeks before the fellowship deadlines. Participating students will submit their near-final personal and research statements to a panel of reviewers consisting of a previous faculty member reviewer, GRFP-winning postdoc or PhD student, and an OGPA staff member. During the event, students will meet individually with the panel for up to 20 minutes to discuss their application materials, receive feedback, and ask the panelists questions.
Requirements
- Participants must be eligible and planning to apply for the fellowship this year.
- Near-final materials must be submitted to PhD Plus by September 21
- Students must be able to participate virtually in the event during the scheduled week of Sept 28 - Oct 2. Specific dates and times TBD based on the availability of reviewers and participants.
Register here for a GRFP Materials Review Session
PhD Plus - Canvas Connect Online Resources
Videos, worksheets, and other resources for NSF GRFP preparation are available on UVA's Canvas Connect site. Please email a member of the PhD Plus team (contact information below) to gain access and learn more.
PhD Plus Advising & Contact Information
Did you know that PhD students can schedule an appointment with any member of the PhD Plus program to discuss questions about their career or professional development? These are great opportunities to get 1-on-1 feedback and advice on any type of communication, receive support on fellowship and grant applications, learn about internships and experiential learning opportunities, and more. Learn more by visiting the PhD Plus Advising webpage.
If you have questions about the NSF GRFP or support PhD Plus provides UVA students, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg, PhD
Associate Director of Research Communication
Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs | PhD Plus
Samuel J Lake, PhD
Director of Career and Professional Development
Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs | PhD Plus