Student Travel Grants
The University of Kansas School of the Arts provides travel funds to support the professional development of its students and to increase the visibility of its academic programs. Applicants should note that funding priority will be given to students who were selected to participate in professional programs, conferences and events on the basis of a peer review of their work (portfolio, audition tape, written proposal, etc.). Applicants may only receive funding once per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).
What you need to know
Applications are considered on a rolling basis. That means you can apply any time, but availability of funds may be limited, so early submission is encouraged. Decisions on applications are ordinarily made within four weeks of submission, though response times may be delayed during holidays, school breaks, etc. Please make sure to read all instructions when applying, as leaving out required documents or attachments will greatly delay decision making.
It is strongly recommended that you apply for a grant at least one month before your expected travel. In extraordinary circumstances, we will consider requests for support with less than one month's notice or after the travel is complete.
Option 1: Up to $500* may be awarded to students who attend regional or national professional conferences directly related to their area of study. Students attending conferences as a group must still apply to Student Travel Fund individually.
Students may also apply for Option 1 funding to support registration for virtual conferences, online masterclasses, or other remote participation in events related to their field of study.
Option 2: Up to $750* may be awarded for the following activities:
1. Support for students to participate in regional, national or international conferences where they are performing or presenting papers, workshops, poster sessions, or other work.
2. Students invited to perform, present, or exhibit at other regional, national, or international venues related to their area of study.
3. Students attending a national conference when serving as elected officers of a related regional or national organization.
Option 3: Up to $1000* may be awarded for travel expenses when studying in programs, organizations, and institutes beyond the KU campus leading to professional development in the arts. This component of the fund is highly competitive with a limited number of awards made each year. Travel for study might include:
1. Travel within the United States to participate in master classes, workshops, or residencies as appropriate within the artistic disciplines in the School of the Arts.
2. Travel outside the United States in study abroad programs led by KU faculty or in KU-approved study abroad programs run by other institutions.
*Depends on available funding
Please review the Application Procedures and Rating Criteria (.doc) before completing your application.
You will need:
- A completed application form
- A narrative describing participation in the program, conference, performance, presentation, exhibition, or opportunity and its significance to your professional development and the School of the Arts
- Conference description and fees
- Documentation of expected hotel and travel costs
- A completed Faculty Endorsement & Signature Form
- For Option 2 include a copy of invitation to present, perform, or exhibit
- For Option 3 include a brief recommendation letter from a faculty advisor
Incomplete applications will not be submitted for review. You are strongly encouraged to apply for a travel grant at least one month before the month of your travel.
If you are approved for funding, you will receive an award email. Pay close attention to the email as you will need to complete a W-9 form and submit it, along with your receipts, to your departmental contact in order to be reimbursed.
For questions or special circumstances, please email visualart@ku.edu to discuss other options.
Questions regarding the application process? Email visualart@ku.edu or call (785) 864-4042.
What is this funding for?
This funding is to help students in the School of the Arts pay for professional development opportunities. There are three options available to students:
Option 1: up to $500 - travel to attend a professional conference. Students may also apply for Option 1 funding to cover the cost of registration for virtual conferences or online training relevant to their major.
Option 2: up to $750 - travel to present, preform, or exhibit.
Option 3: up to $1000 - travel for study abroad or master class.
These are funding amounts for 2024-2025.
Who can apply?
Any graduate or undergraduate student who is currently pursuing a degree within the School of the Arts (Film & Media Studies, Theatre & Dance, Visual Art) is eligible to apply.
What if I have a minor in the School of the Arts, but my major is in another area?
The fund is only available to those students are pursuing a degree (majoring) within the School of the Arts. We appreciate your connection to the School, but it is not recognized for travel eligibility at this time.
How often can I apply?
Students may apply and receive travel once per fiscal year. The fiscal year for the University runs from July 1 – June 30.
I have already used the travel fund this year but just learned that I have been accepted to present my work. Are there other resources available?
Check with your department, they may have some funding set aside. Also, check the Center for Undergraduate Research website for opportunities; they have travel funding for just this purpose.
Graduate students can check the Graduate Studies website for travel fund opportunities.
What information do I need to include with my application? What if I forget something?
This depends on which option you are applying for. Please refer to the checklist (.doc) for more information. If we do not receive all of your application materials, your application will not be reviewed for funding.
Who makes the funding decisions?
The School of the Arts co-directors (Chairs of Theatre & Dance, Film & Media Studies, and Visual Art).
When should I apply?
As soon as you know your travel plans. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. That means you can apply any time, but availability of funds may be limited, so early submission is encouraged. Decisions on applications are ordinarily made within three weeks of submission, though response times may be delayed during holidays, school breaks, etc.
It is strongly recommended that you apply for a grant at least one month before your expected travel. In extraordinary circumstances, we will consider requests for support with less than one month notice or after the travel is complete.
How do I apply?
Submit a complete application with all supporting materials.
If this is an issue for you, email visualart@ku.edu to arrange another option.