** In the spirit of inclusivity and to highlight our commitment to reconciliation, the GSS is dedicating $5000 to Black and Indigenous Students/Studies, using funds from the current PDG budget, starting in April 2022 **
The GSS is proud to provide a source of funding to graduate students presenting at conferences or engaging in field research. Graduate students taking part in these professional development activities may apply for these grants, which are distributed by lottery to top-scoring applications, as determined by an objective ranking system established by the GSS Grants Allocation Committee.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The maximum amount that can be awarded to a successful PDG application is $499, based solely on clearly demonstrated need (funding shortfall). Although you should respect the deadlines outlined below, even after you have submitted your application, we ask that you contact us promptly regarding any new information that could materially influence your eligibility for a grant or modify your estimated funding shortfall. Such information may include, but is not limited to, new funding sources, delayed or denied visa applications, changes in your participation in a conference, etc.
PDG Application
- Step 1 – Online Application Form – please scroll down to access the application form at the bottom of this page.
- Step 2 – Email this paper form to info@sfugradsociety.ca OR drop it off in person at the GSS Office (MBC 2203)
NOTE: Both steps must be completed for the application to be considered!- UPDATE October 2023: We are currently in the process of updating the Part Two form to match our new application form. Please disregard the request to submit a confirmation number with your Part Two application, as we are no longer issuing these numbers.
Masters students may only receive one (1) Professional Development Grant during their program, while PhD students may receive up to two (2) Professional Development Grants.
Please note that Professional Development Grants will be given preferentially to members who:
- Are conducting academically relevant field research, and have clearly demonstrated financial needs; or
- Are attending an international level event that is academically relevant (conference, colloquium, etc.), presenting research at this event, and whose funding needs are high.
Even if you meet all of the eligibility criteria (and especially if you meet only some of the criteria), we may be unable to fund your PDG application. We regularly receive more applications than we can fund and so have to use a lottery-based system to determine which projects receive an award.
Please note: The processing time for all applications is at least one month. We hope to have results to our applicants one month following the deadline of each PDG round. We ask for your patience with these matters as we do receive a high number of applications for each round.
If you have additional questions, please consult the “Frequently Asked Questions” section at the bottom of this page.
The application dates for the 2023-2024 academic year (tentatively) are:
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September 1, 2023 at 4pm for conference/travel dates between August 1 and November 30, 2023November 1, 2023 at 4pm for conference/travel dates between October 1 and January 30, 2024- January 2, 2024 at 4pm for conference/travel dates between December 1 and March 31, 2024
- March 1, 2024 at 4pm for conference/travel dates between February 1 and May 31, 2024
- May 1, 2024 at 4pm for conference/travel dates between April 1 and July 31, 2024
- July 2 at 4pm for conference/travel dates between June 1 and September 30, 2024