The GSA awards a number of travel awards (up to $500) every semester (Sept-Dec, Jan-Apr, May-Aug) for travel to conferences to present, or to undertake research relevant to their field of study.

GSA Travel Awards are funded from the proceeds of the GSA Development Fund, which is sustained by contributions from Graduate Students and the University. Award recipients will be asked to voluntarily contribute a 250-word statement of how this award and travel contributed to their graduate experience, which may be posted on the Graduate Studies and GSA websites and other media sources.

Students can apply through AwardSpring

You can only see the applications once you complete your profile. Here is a link with more information about completing your profile: Registrar's Office

Travel Award FAQs

Q1. What is the application process for travel awards?

• Students will apply for the travel award through Awardspring.

Q2. When does the application period open?

• Fall competition for September to December travel: Opens September 1, 2026 and closes October 2, 2026

• Winter competition for January to April travel: Opens January 4, 2027 and closes February 1, 2027

• Summer competition for May to August travel: Opens May 3, 2027 and closes June 1, 2027

Q3. How are travel awards distributed?

• Travel awards are distributed on a reimbursement process. After the conference, students are asked to submit all original receipts, a copy of your award letter, and a copy of the conference presentation invitation to your departments within 20 days after your return. We recommend taking a copy of the receipts for your personal record keeping.  Your department will process your travel expenses through Mosaic. 

• There are a fluctuating number of awards available each term. The successful recipients will be determined randomly by selecting one recipient from each faculty (Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business) and the balance of the awards left in a given term will be randomly selected from the list of remaining applicants from all faculties combined.

Q4. What is the eligibility criteria?

• All graduate students are eligible for the travel awards. Applications are submitted through AwardSpring, which means that you need to have registered for AwardSpring and have noted that you are planning on travelling during your studies.

Q5. Are the application period deadlines flexible?

• No, these are hard deadlines to ensure that the adjudication is fair and equitable for all students.

Q6. How are the travel awards funded?

• The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University.  The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies.