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 a PDG. In the spirit of inclusivity and to highlight our commitment to reconciliation, the GSS is currently dedicating $5,000 per academic year to Black and Indigenous Students/Studies, using funds from the current PDG budget.
As was the case in previous PDG application rounds, if we receive more projects than can be funded in this current round, we will use a tiered approval process to select 15 applications. This system will favour applicants who do not hold major research awards, and then those that are first time successful PDG applicants. In addition, Master’s students may only receive one (1) PDG during their program and doctoral/PhD students may only receive up to two (2) PDG’s. This means that, depending on the number of applications received, we may unfortunately not be able to provide funding for all eligible projects.
Please note that the PDG application system has been modified over the summer. Two key changes include:
- A flat cost for food only for the dates of the conference (and only if meals are not included in the conference package)
- Updated language requesting that supervisors confirm that they cannot use their own research funds to cover the costs associated with the application
Only expenses incurred directly by the applicant can be covered by the grant and so travel costs associated with family members or other guests will automatically be excluded from the total cost calculation.
The maximum amount that can be awarded to a successful PDG application is $499, based solely on the applicant’s clearly demonstrated unfunded travel expenses (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 can be accessed here.
- 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!
Aside from the criteria listed above, PDG’s 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.
Travel costs to procure a visa ahead of international travel are not eligible for this grant; please note that most travel visas can be delivered to Vancouver.
The processing time for all applications is at least one month. We ask for your patience as we do receive a high number of applications for each round; we hope to have results to our applicants roughly one month following the deadline of each PDG round.
If you have additional questions, please consult the “Frequently Asked Questions” section at the bottom of this page.
The application deadlines for the 2024-2025 academic year are:
September 3, 2024 at 4:00pm for conference/travel dates between August 1 and November 30, 2024November 1, 2024 at 4:00pm for conference/travel dates between October 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025January 2, 2025 at 4:00pm for conference/travel dates between December 1 and March 31, 2025March 3, 2025 at 4:00pm for conference/travel dates between February 1 and May 31, 2025May 1, 2025 at 4:00pm for conference/travel dates between April 1 and July 31, 2025Please apply within the application window: April 1st to May 1st 2025; form closes at 4:00PM.
July 2, 2025 at 4:00pm for conference/travel dates between June 1 and September 30, 2025.Please apply within the application window: June 1st to July 2nd 2025; form closes at 4:00PM.
NOTE: For the previous (July 2024) round of PDG applications, the following criteria was in effect:
At its June 11, 2024 meeting, the GSS Council voted in favour of providing the funding needed to support up to ten (10) PDG projects for the current application round (deadline: July 2). Given the lower than usual number of awards, and that we are receiving a high number of applications, several eligible projects will once again not be able to receive any funding. And in order to maximize the number of members who receive an award, any member who already received funding for another PDG project on or after September 1, 2023 will automatically be placed on a waiting list. They will only receive an award if their project is deemed eligible and all first time applicants have been fully funded.