I have not been able to locate current guidance from NSF on this issue. However, they do have these FAQs that are archived from 2023. See Question 62 for a possible solution:

I just started at my current institution and do not have a transcript. What can I do?
      1. If you just started at your current institution, you can upload an unofficial transcript, a class schedule, or enrollment verification form from your school showing the courses for which you are registered. It is helpful if the document you upload shows what courses you are taking in the fall as it gives reviewers some information about your coursework.
        An unofficial transcript, class schedule, or enrollment verification form should include your name and the name of your institution.
Please take with a grain of salt since this is not official/current guidance.


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Kelsie Hart

Grants Specialist II (Pre-Award)

Weidenbaum Center

 

xxxxxx@wustl.edu

office 314.935.2059

Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 (fully remote) 

____________________________

Washington University in St. Louis

WashU.edu

From: Walens, Andrea Nicole - awalens at email.unc.edu (via resadm-l list) <xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 8:00 AM
To: xxxxxx@LISTS.HEALTHRESEARCH.ORG <xxxxxx@LISTS.HEALTHRESEARCH.ORG>; RESADM-L (Research Administration Discussion List) <xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org>
Subject: [RESADM-L] NSF GRFP Transcript Question
 
Has anyone else run into issues with the NSF GRFP application now requiring official transcripts from all institutions, including the current one? UNC’s Registrar doesn’t issue official transcripts until after the first semester, which means first-year grad students may be blocked from submitting. NSF clarified that unofficial transcripts will not be accepted, despite earlier guidance suggesting otherwise. Have you heard of any workarounds or guidance from NSF or other institutions? I’d love to know what others are advising students in this situation.

Andrea Walens, PhD 
(she/her/hers) 
Senior Director of Research Administration 

College of Arts & Sciences Business Operations 
Steele Building, 214 E. Cameron Ave.
Campus Box 3060 
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 
P 919-962-0729 M 734-904-2862 E xxxxxx@email.unc.edu  

 

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