Travel Grants

TCU Graduate Studies Research & Creative Activities Fellowship

The TCU Graduate Studies Research & Creative Activities Fellowship provides financial support to graduate students who travel to present and showcase scholarly and creative work at professional conferences, meetings, exhibitions, performances, and similar academic venues. Funding for this fellowship is provided through Graduate Student Senate dues and the Office of Graduate Studies.

Because funding is limited, awards are competitive and are made on a case-by-case basis. Priority consideration will be given to research doctoral students.

Award Amounts

Beginning July 1^st

Maximum fellowship awards are:

• Domestic travel: $800
• International travel: $1,000

Awards are based on available funding, the nature of the travel, and the quality and competitiveness of the application.

Eligible Activities

Fellowship funding may be used to support travel associated with:

• Research presentations
• Scholarly paper presentations
• Poster presentations
• Creative activities, including performances and exhibitions
• Other official presentations of scholarly or creative work

Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating official participation in the event, such as a program or letter from the organization.

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

The fellowship does not support:

• Training workshops, instructional programs, or professional development courses where the applicant is primarily a participant rather than a presenter
• Registration fees for local or regional conferences
• Travel without documented official participation
• Other expenses deemed outside the scope of the fellowship program

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be enrolled as a graduate student at Texas Christian University at the time of application and travel.
• Be presenting research, scholarly, or creative work at the event.
• Register their travel through TCU in accordance with university travel requirements.
• Submit a complete application at least 30 days prior to the travel departure date. This will be strictly enforced.
• Disclose any additional funding sources that will support the proposed travel, such as college and department funds. Note that this does not disqualify you from receiving the fellowship.

Students enrolled in the TCU Burnett School of Medicine are not eligible for this fellowship.

Award Limitations

• One award per poster presentation. If there are two or more authors for a single poster, only one author is eligible for the award.
• No more than two fellowship awards for oral or other formal presentations.
• Only one Graduate Research Travel Fellowship award per academic year.

Receipt of a previous award does not guarantee future funding.

Funding Cycle

Available fellowship funds are distributed across the academic year, with approximately:

• 50% of available funds awarded during the Fall semester
• 50% of available funds awarded during the Spring semester

Awards are contingent upon available funding.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

1. A completed fellowship application.
2. Proof of acceptance or official participation in the conference, performance, exhibition, or scholarly event.
3. A description or abstract of the research, scholarly, or creative work being presented.
4. A proposed travel budget.
5. Disclosure of all additional funding sources requested or received.

Applications must be received at least 30 days before travel to be considered. This will be strictly enforced.

Review and Selection

Applications are reviewed competitively. Factors considered may include:

• Quality and significance of the research or creative activity
• Impact of the presentation opportunity on the student’s academic and professional development
• Availability of funds
• Applicant eligibility and compliance with program requirements

Priority consideration will be given to research doctoral students.

Reimbursement Process

Awards are reimbursed after travel in accordance with TCU travel and expense policies.

Recipients are responsible for working with their department or college administrator to complete reimbursement procedures. The department or college administrator will submit a reimbursement request through Concur on behalf of the student.

Failure to comply with TCU travel policies or reimbursement requirements may result in the denial of reimbursement.

About the Fellowship

Fellowship funding comes 50% from Graduate Studies and 50% from the Graduate Student Senate (GSS). GSS funding comes from semester dues paid by graduate students. Fellowship award amounts are assessed and revised annually.

TCU Graduate Studies reserves the right to interpret program guidelines, determine eligibility, and make final funding decisions.