✈️ Conference Opportunity Guide
A curated collection of conference scholarships, travel grants, creator programs, and STEM events that can help students attend conferences they may not otherwise be able to afford.
I'll continue updating this page whenever I discover new opportunities.
💜 Before You Apply
Be authentic.
Scholarship committees want to hear your story. Don't let AI replace your voice. Use it to brainstorm or proofread if you choose, but make sure the final essay sounds like you.
Show why it matters.
Don't simply repeat your resume. Explain why attending this opportunity would help you grow personally, academically, or professionally.
Apply early.
Don't wait until the last day. Give yourself time to revise, reflect, and ask for feedback.
Talk to alumni.
Reach out to previous recipients or program alumni. They often share valuable insights that can strengthen your application.
Write from the heart.
The strongest applications aren't always written by the most accomplished students. They're written by students who genuinely care.
Don't reject yourself.
Apply even if you aren't sure you'll get in. Let the selection committee make that decision, not your self doubt.
Opportunities
A growing list of programs that can help you get to the conferences and events that shape your future.
Citadel Conference Travel Grant
Helps students attend technical conferences by covering travel costs so more voices can be present in the room.
My Tip
Highlight the specific sessions or speakers you want to learn from and how you will bring that knowledge back to your community.
AnitaB.org Kamala Scholars
Supports women in computing to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration, one of the largest gatherings of women technologists in the world.
My Tip
Share how being part of the GHC community will shape your path and how you plan to pay it forward to other women in tech.
IOScholarships STEAM Summit
A summit that connects students from underrepresented backgrounds with scholarships, mentors, and opportunities in STEAM fields.
My Tip
Come prepared with questions for the mentors and speakers. The connections you make here can open unexpected doors.
Field Inclusive Travel Award
Supports students from historically excluded groups in attending field-based conferences and professional events.
My Tip
Explain how the event aligns with your field of study and your long term goals as a researcher or professional.
Space Gala Creator Cohort
A creator opportunity for students passionate about space, science communication, and storytelling to join a cohort and share their voice.
My Tip
Show your authentic creative voice. Share a sample of work that represents who you are and what you care about.
WECode Scholarship
Provides scholarships and housing support for students attending the Women Engineers Code conference.
My Tip
Be specific about what you hope to learn and how you will contribute to the WECode community while you are there.
WE Conference (Society of Women Engineers)
The Society of Women Engineers annual WE Conference brings together thousands of women in engineering and technology for career development, networking, and inspiration. Registration and travel support options are available for students.
My Tip
SWE Collegiate Chapter & Regional Section Grants: Most local university SWE collegiate chapters receive corporate sponsorship funds specifically earmarked for sending student members to the WE annual conference. Contact your university's SWE executive board or check their interest forms in late summer or early fall, as funds are allocated leading up to the conference.
Last Mile Education Fund
A common application that matches STEM students approaching degree completion with emergency, bridge, and last mile funding. Awards range from rapid response grants up to $595 to final semester funding up to $10,000, and can help cover transportation and other barriers to staying enrolled. F1 visa students are eligible for emergency and bridge funding.
My Tip
One application matches you with every fund you qualify for, so fill out your Caravan profile completely. F1 students are eligible for emergency and bridge funds, and the team reviews applications with care, so apply even if you are unsure you qualify.
Google Scholarships & Programs
Google offers a rotating lineup of scholarships and programs for students in computer science and related fields, including conference travel support, research awards, and diversity focused scholarships. Opportunities are updated periodically, so check back regularly for new openings.
My Tip
Google's scholarship and program list changes throughout the year, so bookmark the page and check back often. Apply as soon as a relevant opportunity opens, since deadlines can close quickly.
USENIX Conference Grants
Offers student and professional grants to help cover registration, travel, and accommodation for attending USENIX conferences. Student grants support full time students at accredited institutions, while professional grants help computer scientists and practitioners facing adversity in attending. All recipients receive a complimentary conference registration.
My Tip
Apply for only one grant per conference and submit early. Write a strong supporting statement that connects your studies or work to the conference topics, and have your faculty advisor complete their statement before the deadline.
ACM-W Scholarship
Supports undergraduate and graduate students in computer science and related programs to attend CS research conferences. Awards up to $600 for intra continental travel and up to $1200 for intercontinental travel. Students do not need to present a paper to be eligible.
My Tip
Applications are reviewed in six groups each year, so check the deadline table carefully and apply well before your conference dates. You will need a support letter from your advisor, so ask early.
Antibodies.com Travel Grant
Quarterly travel grants up to $500 for postgraduate researchers, post docs, and early career researchers to attend in person conferences. Open to academic researchers worldwide, with particular interest in life sciences research using antibody and protein based techniques.
My Tip
Apply at least 3 to 4 months before your conference date and make sure you have already been accepted to present. Write a clear abstract that highlights the scientific merit and potential impact of your work.
Note: Last Mile Education Fund may help eligible students overcome financial barriers related to completing their education. Depending on the fund and eligibility, support may be available for expenses connected to academic opportunities. Please review the specific fund requirements.
More Opportunities Coming Soon
I built this guide because I know how difficult it can be to discover these opportunities, especially as a first generation, immigrant, or international student. My goal is to keep updating this page so more students can find opportunities that help them learn, grow, and connect.
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