Attending international conferences is a valuable opportunity for researchers, students, and professionals to present their work, connect with global experts, and stay current on innovations in their field. However, the costs of travel, accommodation, and registration often present challenges – especially for early-career academics or participants from developing countries. To ease this burden, several organizations offer a travel grant for international conference participation. These grants provide financial support that enables broader access to global academic platforms. Below is a curated list of 10 travel grants that can help fund your attendance at international conferences in 2025 and beyond.
1. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Researcher Development and Travel Grants
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers travel grants for Ph.D. students and early-career scientists in India, supporting both virtual and in-person conference attendance. Eligible applicants include RSC members who are active Ph.D. students or researchers in the chemical sciences within 10 years of completing their education. The grant covers expenses like registration fees and travel costs, with additional support through Grants for Carers and Accessibility Grants for those with caring responsibilities or special needs. Applications require approval from the International Conference Funding Committee, and recipients must submit a participation report upon return.
2. National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) Travel Grants
The NBHM provides financial assistance to Indian mathematicians for attending international conferences, symposia, and summer schools. Eligible applicants include research scholars, post-doctoral fellows, and young scientists or faculty under 35 in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, as well as Ph.D. holders in R&D labs. The grant covers economy-class airfare, visa fees, and registration costs. Applicants must submit original receipts and tickets for reimbursement, and there is no specific application deadline, allowing flexibility for planning.
3. CSIR Travel Grants
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) offers full or partial travel assistance to young Indian researchers, including Ph.D. students, research associates, and resident doctors, as well as emeritus scientists, for presenting papers at international scientific events. Applicants should be under 40 (except for scientists) and have an accepted paper for presentation. The grant reimburses actual airfare costs for economy-class travel by the shortest route. Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format, with supporting documents in English.
4. ICMR International Travel Support for Non-ICMR Scientists
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) provides financial support to non-ICMR biomedical scientists and researchers to attend conferences aligned with ICMR’s thrust areas. Eligible applicants include senior scientists (above 35) and young scientists (under 35) presenting papers, chairing sessions, or delivering keynote addresses. The grant covers economy-class airfare, visa fees, airport tax, and registration fees for young scientists, with a maximum of Rs 1,50,000. Applications must be submitted two months prior to the conference, with published research in PubMed/SCI/SCIE-indexed journals required.
5. DMM Conference Travel Grants
Offered by The Company of Biologists, DMM Conference Travel Grants support early-career researchers, including Ph.D. students and post-doctoral researchers, attending scientific meetings, workshops, or training courses related to the journal’s research areas. The grant covers registration, travel, accommodation, and visa fees but excludes travel insurance. Applicants must submit a supervisor’s letter, abstract, CV, and justification for funding. Grants are paid 3-6 weeks after approval, and unspent funds must be returned. Applications are considered for both in-person and virtual events.
6. IEEE CEDA Travel Support
The IEEE Council on Electronic Design Automation (CEDA) offers travel grants of up to $1,500 for students and researchers attending IEEE CEDA-sponsored events. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the event, and eligible candidates include those presenting papers or participating in CEDA-organized conferences. The grant covers travel and registration costs, providing an excellent opportunity for those in electronic design and related fields to engage with global experts.
7. IATUL Travel Grants
The International Association of University Libraries (IATUL) provides €1,200 travel grants for staff from member libraries attending their first IATUL conference. Eligible applicants include librarians and information professionals with support from their University Librarian. The application deadline for 2025 is July 21, making this an ideal option for library professionals seeking to expand their networks and professional development at international events.
8. Citadel Conference Travel Grant
Citadel offers travel grants for students in STEM-related bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. programs attending top conferences in fields like mathematics, physics, and electrical engineering. The grant covers round-trip airfare, lodging, travel vouchers, and meal stipends, with conference passes purchased directly by Citadel (except for the Grace Hopper Celebration, where candidates provide their own passes). Preference is given to applicants presenting papers or posters, with selections based on academic performance and potential impact.
9. Fulbright Specialist Program in Japan
The Fulbright Specialist Program provides partial funding for international students and professionals attending conferences or short-term programs in Japan. Eligible applicants include those presenting research or participating in academic events. The scholarship covers travel and related expenses, with a deadline of June 10, 2025. This program is ideal for those looking to engage in academic and cultural exchange while attending conferences in Japan.
10. IBRO International Travel Grants
The International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) offers travel grants to support high-quality neuroscientists from less well-funded countries (excluding the US/Canada) attending international neuroscience meetings. Calls for applications are made twice yearly (February and August), and grants cover travel and registration costs. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers in developing countries to present their work and connect with global neuroscience communities.
Tips for Applying for Travel Grants
- Research Eligibility: Carefully review eligibility criteria, as many grants are specific to fields, career stages, or nationalities.
- Prepare a Strong Application: Include a detailed proposal, accepted paper/abstract, and supporting documents like a CV or supervisor’s letter. Highlight how the conference will benefit your research or career.
- Check Deadlines: Most grants require applications 60-90 days before the conference. Plan ahead to meet deadlines.
- Verify Conference Legitimacy: Avoid predatory conferences by checking their credentials using resources like the Think.Check.Attend initiative.
Travel grants provide critical financial support for attending international conferences, enabling researchers and students to share their work, network, and grow professionally. By exploring these opportunities and preparing thorough applications, you can overcome financial barriers and make the most of global academic events. For more details, visit the respective websites of these funding agencies or contact their offices directly.
FAQs
What is a travel grant for international conference?
Travel grant for international conference is financial support provided to help cover travel, accommodation, and registration costs for attending conferences abroad.
Who is eligible for a travel grant for international conference?
Eligibility varies, but typically includes students, early-career researchers, PhD scholars, postdocs, and professionals presenting papers or posters at the conference.
How can I apply for a travel grant for international conference?
Apply by visiting the official website of the funding body or conference. Submit required documents like an abstract, invitation letter, and recommendation letter.
Which organizations offer travel grant for international conference?
Organizations like IEEE, UNESCO, TWAS, DAAD, DST, and various universities offer travel grants for attending international conferences.
When should I apply for a travel grant for international conference?
It’s best to apply 3 to 6 months in advance of the conference to meet deadlines and ensure timely visa processing and travel planning.
Do I need to be presenting a paper to get a travel grant for international conference?
Most travel grants require applicants to present a paper, poster, or be actively participating. Some may allow attendance without presenting.
Are travel grants for international conferences fully funded?
Some are fully funded, covering all costs, while others may be partial and only support travel or registration fees. Always check the grant details.
Can undergraduates apply for travel grant for international conference?
Yes, some programs are open to undergraduates, especially if they are co-authors or part of a student research project.
Is travel insurance included in travel grant for international conference?
Not always. While some grants include travel insurance, others do not. Applicants may need to purchase their own coverage.
How do I increase my chances of receiving a travel grant for international conference?
Prepare a strong application, highlight your research impact, include recommendation letters, and apply early to maximize your chances.
