Eligibility & Program Requirements

The DOE CSGF is open to U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are planning full-time, uninterrupted study toward a Ph.D. at an accredited U.S. university.  Senior undergraduate and first-year graduate students in engineering and in the physical, computer, mathematical or life sciences are eligible to apply. Fellowship support is available for four years and must be renewed annually.  Please note: Second-year graduate students are no longer eligible.

During the fellowship period, fellows are required to be enrolled as full-time graduate students at an accredited U.S. college or university and conduct research in areas of interest to the DOE.  The summer should be spent conducting full-time research related to the completion of one's degree program, enrolled in classes or on a practicum assignment.

This equal opportunity program is open to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, religion, age, physical disability or national origin.

Freedom to Focus on Research

The DOE CSGF program's support allows students to focus on their academics and research without excessive teaching or other departmental support activities. The fellow’s department must waive any teaching requirements beyond one term.

Read more about this policy.  [PDF - updated October 2010]

Annual Renewal and Availability of Funds

Renewal of the fellowship each year requires the submission of an online application that demonstrates acceptable academic performance, progress toward completing the approved program of study, completion of a practicum and research in areas of interest to the DOE.  Duration of the award is affected by the status of the awardee and the projected availability of funds.

Density plot of shock turbulent boundary layer interaction in ideally contoured 2-D rocket nozzle at startup (Britton Olson, fellow)

The DOE attempts to provide adequate funding to meet the costs of graduate school. Additional responsibilities, such as a teaching assistantship, must be approved in advance by the Krell Institute.  Scholarship awards, prizes and other payments (including veteran’s benefits) that do not require a service may be accepted.