Graduate School
Graduate Competitive Travel Awards
What is the Graduate Competitive Travel Award?
Each semester, Graduate students have the opportunity to apply for the Graduate Competitive Travel Award. The funds may be used to support graduate student participation in a virtual or in-person professional conference, exhibition, or other appropriate venue for purposes of presenting research or other forms of creative work, or engaging in professional development activities, in conjunction with a student’s program of study.
Students may request up to $500 for virtual conference registration or domestic travel or $1,000 for approved international travel. Financial support from the student's academic unit is also required, although it does not need to equal the amount requested.
Spring 2027 Application Deadline: Friday, October 23
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be continuing master's, specialist, or doctoral students in good academic standing. Non-degree-seeking, conditionally admitted, and probationary students are not eligible.
- Be actively enrolled during the semester of application and the semester of conference participation. Summer enrollment is not required for summer conferences.
- Participate in the conference before graduating.
- Submit no more than one application per funding period. Students may receive no more than one Graduate Competitive Travel Award per academic year.
Spring: Conferences taking place January through July.
Step 1: Determine Which Category Applies to You
This category is limited to students in disciplines where conference presentations are not typically expected or available. Applicants must be attending for professional development without presenting and must have submitted an application to attend or participate in the event.
Students in STEM, social science, and other disciplines where conference presentations are customary are not eligible for the Alternative category.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
| Required Material | Traditional Category | Alternative Category |
| Statement of Purpose | One-page statement describing the event and its relevance to your academic and professional development | Same requirement |
| Abstract or Application Materials | Copy of the submitted abstract, proposal, artist statement, or other presentation materials. Drafts are acceptable if submissions have not opened. | Copy of your application or submission to attend the event |
| Conference Documentation | Acceptance or participation documentation, if available | Documentation of acceptance to attend, if available |
| Itemized Budget | Detailed budget table showing anticipated expenses, the amount requested, and other financial support | Same requirement |
Step 3: Request Your Letter of Support
- Confirm the professional relevance of the proposed event.
- Verify the applicant's eligibility.
- State the amount of financial support provided by the academic unit.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit your single PDF electronically by: Friday, October 23, 2026.
- You meet all eligibility requirements.
- You have included all required materials in the correct order.
- Your budget includes an itemized table.
- Your major professor or school director has been asked to submit the separate Letter of Support.
After Receiving the Award
Use of the award must adhere to all Southern Miss travel and expense-related policies. Funds will be transferred to the student’s school and specifically designated for such purposes. Graduate Competitive Travel Award funds may only be used to support attendance and participation at the conference listed in the student’s original travel award application. Funds may not be transferred to or used for a different conference, event, or travel purpose.
Prior to expending any funds, the student must complete a Permission to Travel form or other necessary paperwork and obtain approval from the school director or appropriate signature authority. Upon conclusion of or return from the conference, the student must submit a voucher for reimbursement. Click here for more information on university travel policies and procedures.