GRADUATE STUDENT TRAVEL FUND

The Graduate Student Travel Fund (GSTF) was created in 2018 to provide partial financial support for our graduate Miners to present at prestigious conferences. Please read the following information, then see the section below titled "LINK TO APPLY" to be directed to the application form.
View previous awardees and conference information here.

  • The maximum funding amount offered through the Graduate Student Travel Fund is $500.
  • The funds may only be used for travel to a conference where the student:

1. Has a paper accepted.
2. Makes a presentation (poster or oral) which they have authored/co-authored. Funds can only be supplied for 1 co-author if multiple apply.

  • The GSTF is a reimbursement program. Please see the section below titled “REIMBURSEMENT” for additional information.
  • A student may only receive this award once every 2 Academic calendar years.
  • All University/State Restrictions on travel apply.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Must be an on-campus, full-time graduate student pursuing a MS or PhD.
  • Must be in good-standing, according to the Graduate Catalog Guidelines.
  • An Approved Program of Study (Form 1(a)/5(a)) must be on file with Graduate Education.
  • The research must have been peer reviewed and accepted for presentation. Proof of acceptance must be provided along with the application. Please see “APPLICATION” section for additional information.
  • Additional Considerations:
    • Students on GRA Appointment: The PI of the student MUST make a financial commitment more than or equal to the maximum amount that can be awarded ($500).
    • Students with Scholarships that Include funding: Students on a scholarship that includes funds designated for travel, such as NSF GRF, are NOT eligible for the travel fund at this time.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To prepare for the application, please consider the following:

  • Advisor and Dept. Chair Approval: Your advisor and your department chair must approve your request to use these travel funds in order for your application to be processed. GSTF Approval Template email to Advisor & Department Chair
  • Approved Copy of Program of Study: A copy of the Approved Form 5 (Doctoral) or the Approved Form 1 (Master's), with all signatures included, must be on file with Graduate Education. Upon receiving your application, we will check for your approved Form 1 or 5. 
  • Paper/Abstract Acceptance Letter: This document must include the student name and conference title included. This is usually in the form of an email.
  • 30 Day Requirement: The application must be submitted prior to 30 consecutive days before the conference in question.

All applicants will be contacted once a decision is made. If you have not been contacted after 1 week of submitting your application, please contact grad@mst.edu.

LINK TO APPLY

To access the Graduate Student Travel Fund application, click here.
Incomplete applications will be automatically deemed unsuccessful.

REIMBURSEMENTS

The Graduate Student Travel Fund is a reimbursement program. Please follow the appropriate procedure sent with your acceptance information or contact grad@mst.edu if you require additional assistance.

DISCLAIMER

Graduate Education reviews applications on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no entitlement to a minimum annual amount of travel funding for any graduate student. Funding may not cover expenses that are already being reimbursed by other agencies or funding sources. Approved funds not spent, or partially spent, will have the excess amount returned to the GSTF account.

No travel request will be supported without prior permission; under no circumstances will trips be supported retroactively. All requests for travel fund forms must be submitted via the online form. If you are experiencing any technical difficulties or have any questions, please email grad@mst.edu.