Undergraduate Student Travel Fund

Undergraduate Student Travel Fund

Note: Due to budget constraints, we are no longer able to fund travel before July 1, 2024. If you are returning after July 1, 2024, you may submit an application.

Have you completed a project? A music composition? A research survey? A new synthesis of a historical event? A lab experiment or field study? A new invention? A marketing strategy? A new computational model? A book of poetry or a romance novel? 

One of the most rewarding parts of doing a research or creative project, planning and participating in a community service project, writing a business plan, or designing a new curriculum, is to share the results with the world outside George Mason University. 

You can travel to professional events and present your project.  Present at a conference, workshop, panel discussion, pitch fest, or film festival and show off your work to the world.

When you are funded by the Undergraduate Student Travel Fund you will be reimbursed for some of your expenses to present your work. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the wider community of scholars.

Eligibility

  • You must be a full-time Mason undergraduate student, who has not graduated by the time you return from you trip. 

  • You must be traveling to an off-campus event (e.g., conferences, performances, forums, exhibitions) to present your project. Conference attendance for professional development only (i.e. just attending) is not covered.

  • You must apply at least 30 days before travel.

How to Apply

  • Click here to apply for USTF

  • You should explain their project and participation in plain language that can be understood by a well-educated audience outside their field of study. 

  • You should include the abstract, proposal, or prospectus that they submitted when applying to participate in the event. 

Before Traveling:

  • Complete and submit the online USTF application  

    • Application must be submitted at least 30 days before departure.                                                     

  • If you are traveling internationally, you are required to purchase international travel insurance through GEO.

    • Go to the Independent Student Travel Travel Registration to register travel and purchase insurance. 
    • $50 of your requested travel budget needs to be budgeted for a travel insurance fee.

  • You must pay for the travel expenses up front

    • Expenses will be reimbursed you once you return.
    • Departments, programs, and colleges may also contribute to your travel expenses in addition to any USTF funds given. 
    • If any additional travel support is expected from an outside source, please note this on your application.

After Traveling:

Log back in to the USTF application and follow the instructions to submit your reimbursement, receipts, blog post, and picture of you at the event, within two weeks of your travel. 

Funding Details

  • Travel funds for students at the Fairfax campus, Sci-Tech, and Mason Square are allocated by the following guidelines:

    • Local/regional travel (within 25 miles): maximum $400
    • National travel (continental U.S.): maximum $600
    • International travel (everywhere not already mentioned): maximum $800   

  • Travel funds for students at the Mason Korea campus are allocated by the following guidelines:

    • Local/regional travel (within 25 miles): maximum $400
    • National travel (The Republic of South Korea): maximum $600
    • International travel (everywhere not already mentioned): maximum $800

  • Student travel funds can be used to support the following expenses, within reasonable limits:

    • Conference registration fees
    • Air, train, bus, or taxi fare
    • Gas (if traveling by personal vehicle)
    • Hotel lodging expenses