The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid of research; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel.

It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.

It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.

Eligibility

• Only in-time, full time PhD students;
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students from all Faculties;
• Students must have completed their comprehensive examinations and formal PhD research proposal by the application deadline of March 8, 2024.
• Students must have their supervisor committee’s approval to travel, and
• Students are eligible to receive this funding only once during their PhD studies;
• Travel to locations for the completion of course work or conferences are NOT eligible for consideration.

Guidelines

Awards are for a minimum period of four weeks, and a maximum period of twelve months.

Individual awards will be given with a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $3000 for trips of up to 3 months, $5,000 for trips of up to 6 months, and $7,500 for trips of up to one year. Note that the award is not intended to cover the full cost of travel or field research, and the number of awards given in each competition will vary, and are subject to the discretion of the School of Graduate Studies.

Funding will not be provided for research equipment, computer hardware and most software, office supplies, communication costs, medical, toiletry or other personal items. Because funding is limited, and intended to defray essential research costs rather than fully fund fieldwork, the following items will receive highest priority:

• significant travel costs for field and archival research activities, including economy travel (air, rail, bus) or travel by car (for distances greater than 200km); visas, required research permits and/or site entrance fees;
• medical supplies and/or immunizations mandated by international health regulations that are not covered by health insurance; and
• in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., documented higher than typical costs), housing and food costs over and above the expenses normally incurred while not in the field (please itemize current expenses and estimated expenses while in the field)

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the application is complete and has been through the appropriate approval channels.

Students should retain all receipts and follow McMaster’s normal process regarding travel claims.

Please keep

• all original receipts
• copy of award letter
• copy of conference presentation invitation

and submit them to your department within 20 days after your return.

We recommend taking a copy of the receipts for your personal record keeping. Your department will process your travel expenses through Mosaic.

Application Date

The application will open in Award Force on January 8, 2024 and close on March 8, 2024.