The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Graduate School provides a Transportation Grant to support graduate students in presenting their research at academic conferences and professional meetings. This grant aims to alleviate the financial burden of travel, ensuring students can share their scholarly work on regional, national, and international platforms.
Are You Eligible for the UNC Transportation Grant?
To be eligible for the Unc Transportation Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
- Program Enrollment: You need to be a graduate student enrolled in a residential program administered by The Graduate School at UNC.
- Academic Standing: You must be a fully enrolled, degree-seeking student in good academic standing within your program. Summer enrollment is not mandatory.
- Grant History: You should not have previously received a Graduate Student Transportation Grant. This grant is awarded only once per student during their graduate studies at UNC.
Key Criteria for Receiving the UNC Transportation Support
To qualify for the UNC transportation support, your application must fulfill these key criteria:
- Presentation Requirement: You must be presenting your dissertation or thesis research at a recognized academic conference or professional society meeting, whether it’s regional, national, or international. Official documentation, such as a program announcement or communication verifying your presentation, is required.
- *For students in arts disciplines, an invited performance is considered professional development and qualifies for the grant. Proof of the invited performance is necessary.
- Travel Policy Compliance: Currently, UNC adheres to UNC System guidance which may restrict University-affiliated international travel. If your conference is international, you might need to secure an exception to be eligible for the Transportation Grant. Always check the most current travel policies.
- Application Timeline: Your application must be submitted within 30 days of your travel dates. Timely submission is crucial for consideration.
- Receipt Submission: To receive the grant, you are required to submit receipts to The Graduate School that accurately reflect your actual transportation costs. This ensures accountability and proper fund allocation.
Understanding Maximum Award Amounts for UNC Transportation
The maximum award amounts vary based on your travel destination and college affiliation:
| Travel Destination | College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Students* | All Other Graduate Students |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic U.S. | $1,400 (transportation, registration, lodging) | $400 (transportation only) |
| International (incl. Hawaii) | $3,000 (transportation, registration, lodging) | $1,000 (transportation only) |
*Beginning in Summer 2023, The Graduate School and the College of Arts & Sciences have partnered to offer enhanced support for conference expenses, covering registration, lodging, and any remaining airfare or ground transportation costs for College of Arts & Sciences graduate students.
Important Notes on Eligible Transportation Costs:
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The UNC Transportation Grant is specifically for transportation costs. Expenses like hotel accommodation, meals, and other general travel costs are not covered under this grant.
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Eligible transportation costs include:
- Airfare
- Train fare
- Bus fare
- Personal car mileage (based on UNC mileage rates)
- Taxi fares
- Shuttle bus services (only to and from your final travel destination on your travel dates)
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Ineligible costs include, but are not limited to:
- Rental car expenses
- Parking fees
- Travel insurance
- Seat upgrades on flights or trains
- Baggage fees
- Personal travel or trip extensions
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Grant amounts are subject to fund availability at the time of application. All claimed expenses must be reasonable and well-justified. Applicants should review the University’s Policy on Travel Expenses before applying to ensure compliance.
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Partial awards may be granted depending on the circumstances and fund availability.
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Funding is limited. Graduate students are strongly encouraged to seek additional sources of travel funding whenever possible to supplement the UNC Transportation Grant.
How to Apply for the UNC Graduate Student Transportation Grant
The application process for the UNC Transportation Grant is straightforward:
- Rolling Basis Review: The Graduate School reviews applications on a rolling basis, depending on the availability of funds. It is advisable to apply as early as possible.
- Pre-Approval Option: You can request pre-approval for a Transportation Grant before your travel, particularly for trips concluding before June 15th. For pre-approval, you need to submit documentation of estimated travel costs such as online quotes and mileage maps. Crucially, all transportation grants are ultimately based on actual costs, and you must provide receipts before the grant is disbursed.
- Online Application System: All application materials must be submitted through The Graduate School Award Online Application System. Your application must include:
- Proof of Conference Presentation: Documentation confirming your presentation at the conference (e.g., invitation to present, presentation schedule).
- Proof of Travel Costs: Quotes or estimates for planned travel, or receipts if travel has been completed.
- International Travel Exception (if applicable): If traveling internationally, include the approved travel exception form.
- Notification: You and your program will be notified of the application decision and subsequent steps via email. Ensure your email address is correctly entered in the application system.
Grant Payment and Financial Aid Information
UNC Transportation Grant awards are classified as a form of financial aid. Awards are reported to the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, and payment coordination is managed alongside any other financial aid you might be receiving. To understand how the Transportation Grant may affect your overall financial aid eligibility, use the Cost of Attendance & Aid Calculator. If you need to request a review of your personal cost of attendance, you can submit a Graduate Financial Aid Budget Increase Request Form.
Contact Information
For any queries regarding Graduate School Transportation Grants, please contact:
Graduate School Transportation Grants
[email protected]
