What is a Travel Grant For An International Conference?

A travel grant to attend an international conference refers to financial assistance offered to individuals who desire to participate in conferences held outside their country of residence. In other words, it is the funding given to students to attend an international conference.

Attending academic conferences has become more prevalent, prompting the question: Why attend such events? 

Benefits of Attending An International Conference 

Presenting a paper allows participants to share their research, receive feedback, and cultivate future collaborations. Networking emerges as a vital aspect, providing opportunities to connect with experts globally, fostering knowledge expansion, and enhancing institutional goals. 

Publication is a common motive, with conference proceedings offering a platform for research publication and indexing, while selected papers may feature in affiliated journals. 

Socialization and cultural exchange play a role, in broadening perspectives and promoting cross-cultural learning. Additionally, conferences offer a break from academic duties, allowing participants to explore different cities worldwide. 

Staying updated on the latest developments in one's field, interacting with like-minded individuals, and gaining added research value further underscore the significance of attending academic conferences for both personal and professional growth.

When to start?

If you are planning to attend a conference, it must be planned for at least 4 months i.e. if you are planning to attend in March start now. Since most of us never went outside the country, it requires a lot of coordination. 

What do you need?

  • A lot of patience and perseverance.
  • Passport - I advise all to take a passport right away (tatkal is better) than to rush at the last minute. (I made the same mistake – it leads to unnecessary tension and pressure)
  • Money is important but not more than willpower and patience

Top 16 Travel Grants For International Conference for Indian Students 2024 

Here are the top 16 travel grants offered by various institutions, governments, and foundations for Indian students to attend conferences, meetings, and symposia held abroad 

1. SJEF Travel Grant 2024

  • The eligible applicants for this grant are research scholars, post-doctoral fellows (PDFs), and young scientists or faculty members under the age of 35 in the field of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
  • Additionally, young scientists pursuing or holding a Ph.D. and conducting research in Metallurgy and Materials Science within R&D labs are also eligible for consideration.
  • There is no specific deadline mentioned for the application.

2. NBHM Travel Grant 2024

  • The National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) offers financial assistance to mathematicians for participating in conferences, symposia, and summer schools both nationally and internationally.
  • Application forms can be obtained from the NBHM website or by contacting the NBHM Office via email. It is essential to submit the filled application at least three months before the date your journey starts. 
  • The application, along with the required documents, should be sent by post and scanned copies through email.
  • NBHM Travel Grant does not cover living expenses but gives weight to support for local hospitality and longer stays provided by the program hosts.
  • The grant can be used for two-way train or bus journeys, including taxi charges to the nearest airport. 
  • Domestic and international air travel can be booked with authorized agencies, and any unspent balance must be returned to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). 
  • Original receipts, vouchers, and tickets for travel-related expenses, including health insurance and visa fees, must be preserved for later submission to the parent institution or NBHM.

3. ICMR-International Travel Grant Support for Non-ICMR Scientists 2024

  • This grant provides financial support for non-ICMR biomedical scientists and researchers to attend international conferences, seminars, symposia, and workshops. 
  • The scheme assists in presenting research papers, chairing sessions, and delivering lectures/keynote addresses. 
  • It also supports young scientists, nurses, and paramedical staff attending training programs in priority areas. 
  • The financial assistance covers economy-class airfare, airport tax, visa fees, and registration fees for young scientists, with a maximum grant of Rs 1,50,000. 

Eligibility criteria:

  • The applicant has to be a biomedical scientist engaged in R&D, 
  • Have an accepted paper/abstract or an invitation to chair a session, and the conference theme aligning with ICMR's thrust areas. 
  • Applicants must not have received ICMR financial assistance in the last three years. 
  • The application should be submitted in the prescribed format through the proper channel at least two months before the event, along with the necessary documents.
  • Reimbursement depends on when the applicant submits a detailed report, original air tickets, and boarding passes within two months of the conference. 

4. The Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) Scheme Of Travel Grant 2024 

  • The Indian Council of Philosophical Research offers a Travel Grant scheme to support scholars in philosophy and allied disciplines attending international academic events abroad. 
  • Open to scholars of all ages and statuses, the scheme prioritizes faculty members in Indian colleges or universities, especially those in Philosophy. 
  • Eligible activities include presenting research papers, chairing sessions, and delivering lectures at international conferences. 
  • The expenses cover 50% of round-trip airfare by economy class from an Indian airport to the conference destination. 
  • Applicants must submit a proposal with specified documents, including an acceptance letter from conference organizers, at least 90 days before the event. 
  • The applicants must submit a report within a month of returning, including a certificate of attendance from the conference sponsors.

5. Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Travel Grant 2024

  • The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) offers partial financial assistance to Indian scientists attending international conferences abroad. 
  • The scheme operates in two categories: Category I for ISC/ICSU-sponsored conferences and Category II for non-ICSU conferences. 
  • Category I supports scientists delivering plenary lectures or presenting accepted papers at ISC/ICSU conferences, prioritizing those with maintenance allowance and partial travel assistance. 
  • Category II supports similar participation in non-ICSU conferences.
  • The eligibility criteria differ based on age and qualifications. 
  • For both categories, applicants must not have availed of INSA grants in the past three years. 
  • The assistance covers travel, maintenance, and registration fees.
  • Applications should be submitted four months before the conference, with the required documents. 
  • The Academy considers requests only for international conferences and not for training programs, courses, post-doctoral fellowships, or higher studies abroad. 

6. India Network Foundation Travel Grant 2024

  • This grant supports Social and Cultural Functions in the United States and Travel Grants for scientific meetings. 
  • The program is accessible to Cultural and Social Associations of Indian Origin and scientists from South Asia presenting papers at North American scientific meetings. 
  • Peer-reviewed presentations are preferred, with no eligibility for poster presentations. 
  • There are two types of Travel Grants: Community Organization Grants for small organizations hosting Indian artists or promoting local talent, and Academic Travel Grants for India-based researchers presenting papers at conferences in the U.S.
  • Small grant requests are for early-career researchers, with awards up to $2,500, supporting one-time projects or limited-duration activities. 
  • The application process includes a letter explaining the project and a proposed budget. Council Grants aim to promote systemic change and capacity building for the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in Maryland communities. 
  • The Council funds various activities, excluding equipment and specific treatment design conferences. 
  • The application process involves submitting sets of documents, including a cover letter, abstract, acceptance letter, recommendation letter, and budget. Applications should be submitted at least twelve weeks before the conference dates.

7. CTEP - Guidelines for Travel Proposal 2024

  • This grant provides financial aid to Indian scientists involved in biotechnology for presenting research papers at international conferences, seminars, and workshops held outside India. 
  • The scheme provides reimbursement of actual return airfare in economy/excursion class. 
  • Eligible applicants include active scientists below 50 years engaged in biotechnology research and development, investigators of DBT-supported projects, and others. 
  • The scheme mandates online submission of proposals and has guidelines specifying authorized travel agents for air ticket purchases. 
  • The application process includes the submission of various documents, including a letter of invitation, abstract, acceptance letter, and certificates.
    Funding for non-senior applicants is contingent on prior attendance at national conferences, and claims must be submitted within three months of the event.
  • The reimbursement process requires the submission of post-trip documents, including a claim sheet, participation report, air ticket copies, and certificates of participation and awards.

8. AICTE Travel Grant 2024

  • The Travel Grant for Faculty is designed to foster research and development in technical education by affording meritorious faculty members opportunities to engage at the international level and stay abreast of global developments in their specialized fields. 
  • Eligible applicants must belong to an AICTE-approved institute or university department with a minimum of five years of existence, and the hosting department should be NBA-accredited. 
  • The grant, amounting to Rs. 1.5 Lakh, is provided once every two years for three years. The scheme covers 100% reimbursement of expenses, and a three-member expert committee evaluates proposals. 
  • Terms and conditions emphasize adherence to travel guidelines, including the use of Air India, and comprehensive documentation is required for reimbursement, facilitated through the applicant's parent institution. 

9. ACM India-IARCS Travel Grants 2024

  • ACM India-IARCS travel grants provide partial financial support for travel to conferences and academic meetings in Computing Science in India and globally. 
  • These grants target individuals affiliated with Indian academic institutions.
  • Eligibility extends to students and faculty members, supporting travel expenses and conference fees, with a maximum grant limit of Rs 60,000 (max Rs 1,00,000). 
  • The grants prioritize original research presentations at international conferences and aim to benefit graduate students while refraining from funding faculty members in well-established institutions like IITs and IISc more than once in 12 months. 
  • The application process is temporarily delayed.

10. INSA-DAE/BRNS-CICS Travel Fellowship Programme 2024

  • The scheme offers financial support for partial travel and registration expenses to scientists and researchers across diverse disciplines, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Medicine, Engineering, Space Science & Technology, and Computer Science and Engineering. 
  • Preference is given to applicants demonstrating innovation and novelty in their work, those securing partial assistance from other sources, and young scientists meeting all criteria. 
  • The funding agencies involved include the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)/Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), and the Centre for International Co-operation in Science (CICS). 
  • The initiative spans various scientific domains, catering to post-graduate students, Ph.D. candidates, post-doctoral researchers, faculty, and scientists.

11. CSIR Travel Grant Scheme Brochure 2024

  • The scheme aims to provide financial support to young Indian researchers, including Ph.D. students, research associates, and non-regular researchers
  • The expenses cover full reimbursement of actual airfare from the nearest airport in India to the event venue and back. 
  • Eligibility criteria include active involvement in research and development, a minimum postgraduate qualification, and publication of papers in refereed journals. 
  • Applicants should not have received travel support from CSIR in the last three years.
  • The application process involves submitting necessary documents, including a letter of acceptance from organizers and a commitment letter from other funding agencies, if applicable. 
  • Reimbursement claims must be submitted within two months of completing the event, with the process facilitated through authorized travel agents and adherence to government-approved guidelines.

12. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Travel Grant 2024

  • The grant is exclusively for registered Ph.D. candidates at Indian universities in Humanities and Social Sciences, providing financial assistance for short-term visits abroad to gather materials, utilize facilities, and consult experts. 
  • Eligible applicants must be registered Ph.D. candidates for two to three years, possess first-class degrees at the Bachelor's and Master's levels, and be born after January 1, 1988, with Indian citizenship and current residency in India. 
  • The application process involves submitting a form, a sample of written work, evidence of communication with the chosen institution abroad, letters of reference, and more.
  • The grant covers travel allowance, maintenance expenses, funds for materials, and a health allowance, with the candidate undergoing a two-tier selection process involving short-listing and interviews with experts.

13. IBRO Travel Grants 2024

  • The IBRO Travel Grant program aims to support early-career Ph.D. students and post-doctoral fellows in the field of neuroscience by providing funding for their participation in international neuroscience meetings and events scheduled for 2024. 
  • The expenses cover travel and local expenses associated with attending the specified conferences or meetings. 
  • Preference will be given to applicants from less developed and underfunded countries, with a commitment to ensuring gender and regional diversity. 
  • Eligible candidates should clarify how their participation in the designated event will impact their careers. 
  • The program is open to neuroscience students pursuing a Ph.D. or early postdoctoral fellows within five years of starting their postdoc. 
  • Applicants residing in the U.S. or Canada are not eligible. Grant recipients are responsible for their own registration and abstract submission. 
  • Awards will be disbursed upon confirmation of attendance after the event with a maximum grant award of 1,800 EUR. 

14. Indian Institute Of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) Travel Grant 2024

  • The institute provides financial support to students for attending international conferences/symposiums through two types of assistance: Financial Assistance and Refundable Advance. 
  • Financial Assistance is granted to research scholars based on approved guidelines, with support varying for conferences in different regions. 
  • Refundable Advance is provided to scholars facing pre-conference financial difficulties, against sanction letters from supporting organizations. 
  • Eligibility is limited to students in doctoral programs. The quality of the paper is a key criterion for selection. 
  • Applicants are allowed only one form of support before the conference.
  • To apply, scholars must follow the application process, including approval from the International Conference Funding Committee. 
  • After obtaining financial assistance, scholars must submit a report on participation and settle the granted amount upon return. Failure to attend requires an immediate refund.

15. Researcher Development and Travel Grant 2024

  • The Researcher Development and Travel Grants provided by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation are available to Ph.D. 
    Students and early-career scientists in both industry and academia, support activities that enhance their research careers. 
  • These activities can be virtual or in-person, such as presenting at conferences, attending training courses, or organizing scientific meetings. 
  • The grants aim to assist those with caring responsibilities or additional needs through Grants for Carers and Accessibility Grants. 
  • Eligibility includes being an RSC member and either an active Ph.D. student or a researcher in the chemical sciences within 10 years of leaving full-time education. Career breaks, such as parental leave, will be considered. 
  • The grants offer financial support of up to £500 for activities like conference participation, researcher development projects, or networking. 
  • Applicants are cautioned about predatory conferences, and the application process involves providing details on the activity, its benefits, and a declaration of support from a supervisor or department head. 
  • The application deadlines and decision timelines vary for different rounds throughout the year.

16. Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds Travel Grant 2024      

  • The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) offers travel grants of up to three months to MD and Ph.D. students, as well as postdoctoral researchers globally, supporting experimental projects in basic biomedical research. 
  • The grants facilitate short-term research stays or attendance at practical courses relevant to ongoing projects in Europe or overseas. 
  • The program encourages junior scientists to acquire new methods through practical courses or laboratory experiences. 
  • The expenses cover travel, lodging, and course fees, but not living expenses, local travel, visa, or insurance. For those from low-income countries, additional funds for living costs may be granted. 
  • Eligible applicants include Ph.D. students, medical students during their doctoral thesis, postdocs, and graduates applying for a Ph.D. project abroad. 
  • Travel grants are directed at European citizens working in Europe and overseas, as well as non-European citizens conducting projects in Europe or planning to work in Europe.
  • The grants are intended for junior scientists based on the time of receiving their university entrance qualification, with specific criteria for Ph.D. students, graduates, and postdocs. 
  • The grants exclude stays of more than three months, conference attendance without practical training, clinical electives, and certain types of research. 
  • The application process involves an online application form and PDF uploads, including details about the research project, publications, examination certificates, letters of acceptance and recommendation, and evidence of expenses. 
  • Applications must be submitted in English, between six weeks and six months before the planned departure date.

List of International Conferences Students can attend 

Essentials To Take Care of While Traveling Abroad

  • Always carry your passport and cash along with you. Do not leave in the hotel room.
  • Never hand your passport to any unauthorized person except immigration officers at the Airport
  • If you are changing two or more flights from different airlines, then always make sure at the airline counter that your baggage is checked in. In many chances, they may miss your baggage in transit airport and you’ll have to struggle for a day or two.
  • Do not exchange foreign currency from airports or nearby places or Thomas Cook.
  • Always take it beforehand from SBI or other banks or else you will lose a lot of money in exchange. (I got IGCAR advance money just a few minutes before departure and exchanged it at Chennai airport resulting in a loss of nearly Rs.2000)
  • Better to carry a map of the city/locality and also routes. A language dictionary is necessary if you are going to a non-English country]
  • You can avail of the international roaming facility on your mobile (Airtel, Vodafone) if you are staying there for a longer time. Incoming will be free to you and it will be a local call tariff to the caller (See the respective website)
  • Keep all original bills of expenses met during the travel

Visa and Immigration

  • Check the website and enquire with the Visa issuing authority like Embassy or VFS on which Visa you require – student or tourist, etc.
  • Some countries require travel insurance, health certificates, etc.
  • Also, take note of things not to be carried out in the country

On the flight and at the Airport

  • Most agencies require you to travel only by Air-India flights. If the destination is not connected by Air India then you have to take an Air India flight to the nearest place and take some other airline to the conference city or nearest airport
  • Keep the toll-free phone number of your airline for emergency
  • You can book your ticket with the travel agency without giving money. Only if you confirm it, then you have to pay. (you may not get the tickets by the time you get permission from DAE and travel grants from other agencies)
  • Always keep one set of dress in your hand baggage – it will be highly useful if your baggage is delayed
  • By chance, if your baggage is delayed/missed write a complaint along with your hotel address at the airline counter in the airport and demand compensation. They will give some cash and later they will also deliver the baggage at your hotel (My baggage was delayed during transit and I spent my pocket money to buy a dress in Australia – I did not know about compensation then)
  • Do not carry any liquids in hand baggage – water, perfume, etc. during flight travel.
  • Carry light and good baggage. If your bag/handle tears in handling or it is very heavy it leads to fines.
  • You can ask for second-time food/drinks on flights – they won’t mind

Conference/symposium

  • Carry a laptop if you have one. Most conference venues and airports have wireless internet facilities or internet ports. Also, you can make a short presentation if you are explaining your work to someone
  • Better to carry your CV, published papers, and visiting card
  • You are the official representative of your University /Centre and our country at the conference - Always remember that

STAFF PICK: FIND THE LATEST INFORMATION ON INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND CONFERENCE GRANTS