Office of the Provost Conference Travel Grants

Northwestern University encourages its undergraduates not only to carry out scholarly and creative projects but also to present formally research results or perform productions at recognized regional, national, and international conferences or meetings. Participation in scholarly conferences provides an important opportunity for students to communicate research findings to others in the field, network with other researchers, and expand an understanding of the scope and nature of academic research.

Undergraduates who will present their scholarship at professional conferences or perform productions may request financial support to defray the costs of attendance. As a rule, the Conference Travel Grant will not cover all expenses. If the request is approved and the student can secure half of the funding from other sources, the Office of the Provost will provide up to $500 to defray expenses.

A faculty advisor is not required to attend the conference or event with the student.

Eligibility : enrolled, full-time undergraduates who will present a paper/poster at an academic conference hosted by a recognized scholarly organization. The student’s name must appear on the conference abstract and be the primary presenter.

Only one student will be supported for each presentation. Applications for the conference travel grant must be submitted before the actual travel takes place.

Award Amount : 50% of the total conference expenses up to a maximum of $500 of support from the Office of the Provost with proof of matching funds from other sources, which could include schools, departments, programs and personal funds.

Allowable expenses include conference registration fees, hotel, meals (max. $25/day), airfare, and ground transportation (including gas, if a personal car is used).

For hotel expenses, where possible, students are expected to share costs with roommates.

Application: CLICK HERE

Application materials will include—

Abridged Standard URG application, with added requirement to provide appended copy of official conference presentation notification and abstract.

N.B. Students may only receive one Provost’s Office Conference Travel Grant while enrolled at Northwestern University .

Please address questions about the funding process and all other inquiries to Christopher Hayden, Assistant to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, at the Office of the Provost (mail: urg@northwestern.edu; phone 847-467-0499).