School of Graduate Studies Grant in Aid for Research Travel and Field Work

• Only in-time, full time PhD students;
• Students must have completed their comprehensive examinations by the application deadline of Monday, March 2, 2026.
• Students must have their supervisory committee’s approval to travel, and
• Students are eligible to receive this funding only once during their PhD studies

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

Individual awards will be given up to a maximum of $3000 for trips of up to 3 months, a maximum of $5,000 for trips of up to 6 months, and a maximum $7,500 for trips of up to one year. Note: 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)

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

• all original receipts
• copy of award letter
• letter(s) of invitation (if applicable)

Students should submit the receipts to their department within 20 days after their return. We recommend students take copies of the receipts for their personal record keeping. The student’s department will process the travel expenses through Mosaic.

New for the 2026-27 competition

Applicants will submit their School of Graduate Studies Grant in Aid for Research Travel and Field Work application through Slate.

Slate login page

Note: If you already have a Slate account, you do not need to create a new account.

Slate application includes

#1 – Online application – this includes applicant and travel information questions.

#2 – Uploaded documents

• Budget Template (available to download in Slate)
• Justification document (maximum one page) This document is used to explain efforts taken to minimize the costs of travel and avoid unnecessary expenses (i.e., economy transportation, shared accommodation, etc.). Explain what other actions have been taken to secure funding from sources other than the School of Graduate Studies Grant in Aid for Research Travel and Field Work, such as other scholarships or bursaries, the applicant’s Supervisor, Department, or Faculty. If no supplemental funding has been requested, please explain why. Estimates of travel costs (e.g., via expedia.com), should be attached, if applicable.
• Research Proposal (maximum two pages) Describe your proposed work and explain why the travel is critical to your dissertation. The proposal should include justification for travel, the nature of the research, location and duration. Keep in mind that reviewers outside your field will be reading your proposal, so the contribution of the travel to one’s thesis work must be explained with detail and clarity, without including excessive field-specific jargon. A description of the nature and form of the proposed outcomes assessment also should be included. Note: If the applicant feels it is necessary, additional pages may be included for their bibliography/references.
• Research travel plan/timeline (maximum one page) Describe a plan that ensures academic success during travel and after return. Key dates and milestones should be included. The document should emphasize key phases like preparation, execution, and dissemination, ensuring all aspects, from ethics to data handling, are accounted for. It should also include key dates and milestones for research completion upon their return.
• A letter of invitation/support from host institution/organization (if applicable).
• Copy of all postsecondary transcripts as one PDF.

#3 – Letter of Recommendation and Support
(signed and on letterhead) from the applicant’s supervisor, explaining the necessity or importance of such travel to the applicant’s completion of their PhD thesis. The letter should explain the level of financial support the supervisor is providing to the student in support of the travel. Once you submit your application, your supervisor will receive an email with instructions on how to submit their letter. The deadline for you to submit your application is March 2, 2026, and the deadline for your supervisor to submit their letter is March 9, 2026.

Please direct any questions to the School of Graduate Studies graduatescholarships@mcmaster.ca.