Graduate Student International Conference Travel Fellowship

The College of Engineering encourages students to present their research at international conferences. This fellowship program supports graduate students who will present their research or creative scholarship at an international conference or professional meeting located outside the U.S. between April 1 and June 30, 2026. The Global Engineering, Engagement & Research Office will provide up to $1,200 in travel support per award, subject to the availability of funds. Applicants must submit their application at least 30 days prior to their international travel. 

Application Period: Rolling Review

Eligible Travel Dates: April 1 – June 30, 2026 

Eligibility: Applicants must:

• Be a currently enrolled graduate student in the College of Engineering
• Be the presenting author or presenter of the research or creative work.
• Have received official confirmation that their work has been accepted for presentation prior to applying. Applications submitted without proof of acceptance will not be reviewed.

Travel support will be provided in advance as a fellowship to help offset eligible expenses such as conference registration, transportation, and lodging. Food expenses are not eligible. Only one student per accepted presentation may receive funding, and students are eligible for this travel support once per academic year. 

Documentation Requirements: Applicants must provide documentation confirming that their research or creative scholarship has been accepted for presentation at the conference. Acceptable documentation includes an acceptance email or official letter from the conference organizer listing the student as a presenter or author. 

Within two weeks after the conference, fellowship recipients must submit documentation confirming their participation. Acceptable documentation may include a conference program listing their presentation, a certificate of presentation or attendance, or other proof that the student presented their work at the event. Recipients may also be asked to provide itemized receipts for approved travel expenses (e.g., registration, travel, lodging). Receipts must bear the recipient’s name; the university cannot accept receipts issued in another person’s name. Failure to provide the required documentation within the requested time frame may result in the recipient being required to return the fellowship funds.

Questions? Please contact Dr. Nicole Sanderlin, Director of Global Engagement, at npsander@vt.edu.