Detailed view of the beauty and grandeur of one of the clocks of Harkness Tower

Major Initiative: Conference Travel Fellowship

PhD students enrolled in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences may apply for up to $800 to support travel to recognized professional conferences/academic meetings as presenters of non-international topics. This grant supplements funds from home departments or conference travel subsidies.

Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle open September 1.

Eligibility

The GSA CTF is open to PhD students enrolled in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences. Due to high demand, students in years 3–5 of their program have priority for funding, while students in years 1–2 and year 6 are eligible to apply subject to availability; students beyond year 6 are not eligible. Graduating students are not eligible if their proposed conference dates fall after their degree conferral, and students presenting on an international topic should apply instead to the MacMillan Center International Conference Travel Grant. Each student may receive one GSA CTF award per cycle (September 1–June 15), and prior recipients may reapply in future years but will only be funded after all first-time applicants have been accommodated.

How to Apply

  1. Access the Yale Student Grant Database from Yale Fellowship and Funding
  2. Search for “Graduate Student Assembly Conference Travel Grant.”
  3. If your work is on an international topic, instead search for “MacMillan Center International Conference Travel Grants.”

All applications must be submitted through this database, prior to the conference dates.

Required Application Materials

  • Conference details (official title, dates, location)
  • Brief description of your presentation topic
  • Basic budget (registration fee, transportation, and lodging only)
  • Proof of presentation (confirmation the paper/poster was accepted)
  • A list of any other funds received (from your department, other Yale units, or the conference itself)

Deadlines & Review Cycle

  • Applications are reviewed monthly, on or shortly after the 1st (excluding university holidays/recess), and awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
  • The application cycle runs September 1–June 15 each fiscal year; it closes June 15 and reopens (typically) September 1.
  • Summer conference presenters should apply by June 15; if unable to, email ctf@yale.edu before the deadline for guidance.

Using & Receiving the Funds

  • Covers registration fee, transportation, and lodging only. Virtual conferences: registration fee only.
  • Cannot be used for language/other courses, trainings, job interviews, or workshops.
  • Funds are disbursed as reimbursement — submit receipts and your official award letter to your departmental operations manager. Receipts due within 45 days of completing travel.

Additional Campus Resources

Questions?

Contact ctf@yale.edu