Graduate Travel Grant

February 2024 update: The VCUarts Graduate Travel Grant application is now closed and all travel grant funds for the 2023-2024 academic year have been awarded. Graduate students are still encouraged to apply for travel grant funds from the VCU Graduate School.

The VCUarts Graduate Travel Grant application will reopen mid-August for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Each year, VCUarts awards Graduate Student Travel Grants to support invited/adjudicated presentations or performances and juried exhibitions occurring at professional conferences and/or in professional venues, within the US or internationally, both in-person and virtual.

These endeavors must be distinct from coursework, faculty-led initiatives, or travel associated with candidacy, thesis, or dissertation research.

Graduate Students are eligible to apply for multiple grants each academic year up to a $1500 total during the academic year.

Funding availability is as follows:

  • virtual conference presentation, virtual performance or virtual exhibit (request should include invitation or acceptance): up to $150
  • domestic travel costs associated with in-person conference presentation, in-person performance or in-person exhibit (request should include invitation or acceptance): up to $750
  • international travel costs associated with in-person conference presentation, in-person performance or in-person exhibit (request should include invitation or acceptance): up to $1,000
  • domestic shipping costs associated with in-person exhibit* (request should include invitation or acceptance): up to $300
  • international shipping costs associated with in-person exhibit* (request should include invitation or acceptance): up to $500

*A request for shipping funds may be combined with a travel grant request.

Rolling deadline: applications accepted during the fall and spring semesters, until all available funds have been awarded.

Please submit your request at least two weeks prior to the event date. If awarded, air and rail travel must be booked through VCU’s travel agency and can not be reimbursed. Additional instructions will be provided at the time of award notification.

Before applying for travel funds, refer to VCU Better Together: University-sponsored travel, the Center for Disease Control  Guidelines: Domestic Travel During COVID-19 or the Center for Disease Control Guidelines: International Travel During COVID-19 and the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories for your intended destination.

Students may also apply for funds to attend two professional conferences within an academic year, without the requirement of exhibition, performance or presentation.

  • virtual conference attendance: up to $150
  • in-person conference attendance: up to $300

Preference will be given to applications submitted by November 1st and January 25th.

Graduate students may also apply for travel grants funded by the VCU Graduate School.