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 in conjunction with a student’s program of study.

Applicants may request up to $500 to be used for virtual conference registration fees or domestic travel or up to $1000 for approved international travel. The student’s academic unit will also be required to provide some measure of financial support, although it need not necessarily be an equivalent amount.

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.

Spring 2027 Application Deadline:Friday, October 23, 2026

Spring Travel Award Application

 Faculty Letter of Support

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be a continuing master’s, specialist, or doctoral student in good academic standing. Non-degree seeking, conditionally admitted, or probationary status students may not apply.
• The applicant must be actively enrolled during the semester of submission as well as during the semester of conference participation/attendance (summer enrollment is not required if the conference occurs during that time). A funded applicant cannot receive the award if they graduate prior to conference participation/attendance.
• Only one application can be submitted per funding period.  A student may receive only one travel award per academic year. 
• Fall Travel Awards: granted to students traveling during the months of August-December.
• Spring Travel Awards: granted to students traveling during the months of January-July.

Step 1: Determine Which Category Applies to You 

• You will be presenting your research, creative activity, performance, or exhibition.
• You have submitted an abstract, proposal, or other presentation-related materials.

• You are attending a conference for professional development but not presenting.
• You have submitted an application to attend or participate in the event (not to present).
• Please note that only students from disciplines where students do not traditionally present are eligible to apply for this category. Students from STEM fields, social science disciplines, and other areas in which students are expected and offered the opportunity to present will not qualify for this option.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials

1. One-page statement describing the conference/event and its impact on your professional development.
2. Copy of your submitted abstract, conference proposal, artist statement, etc. (Drafts are acceptable if submissions are not yet open.)
3. Documentation of acceptance of your presentation/exhibition, if available.
4. Detailed budget listing anticipated expenses and the amount requested.

1. One-page statement describing the conference/event and its impact on your professional development.
2. Copy of your application or submission to attend the conference.
3. Documentation that you have been accepted to attend, if available.
4. Detailed budget listing anticipated expenses and the amount requested.

Step 3: Request Your Letter of Support