Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Travel Grants, USA – Fully Funded Opportunity for Undergraduate Scholars
Are you an undergraduate at :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} (BGSU), possibly from outside the United States, working hard on research, artistic work, or scholarly projects? If so — the BGSU Travel Grant could be your ticket to sharing your talent at a national or international stage. This opportunity helps fund travel for students presenting research papers, creative exhibitions, juried performances, or other scholarly work at recognized events — offering up to $200 in reimbursements. Whether you’re an art student preparing for a juried show or a science major presenting a poster at a conference, this grant supports your ambitions beyond the classroom.
This initiative exemplifies BGSU’s commitment to fostering student success, promoting academic excellence, and encouraging global engagement. If your work has been accepted for presentation or exhibition, applying for this travel grant might just help you turn that opportunity into a reality — whether the event is held in the U.S. or, in special cases, abroad.
Key Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
| Managing Department | Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURS) |
| Grant Type | Travel Funding (Reimbursement-Based) |
| Maximum Award | Up to $200 per eligible student |
| Eligible Applicants | Full-time Undergraduate Students (all nationalities, including international) |
| Application Method | Online Submission via CURS Portal |
| Deadline / Schedule | Rolling basis — apply anytime, as long as funding remains available |
| Eligible Event Location | Primarily within the United States; international travel considered under special circumstances |
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the BGSU Travel Grant, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a currently enrolled full-time undergraduate student at BGSU.
- Have work accepted for presentation or display at a reputable academic or creative event — such as a conference, symposium, juried exhibition, or performance.
- Be formally registered to attend the event (conference, exhibition, competition, or performance).
- Have a faculty mentor (advisor, professor, or instructor) who can endorse the significance of your participation and vouch for the academic or artistic merit of your submission.
- Provide official documentation: acceptance or invitation letter from event organizers and any supporting paperwork showing your inclusion.
- Note: Each student may receive this grant only once per academic year.
- While U.S. events are prioritized, international events may be considered — especially when opportunities abroad significantly benefit the student’s academic/professional trajectory.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Application Guide
Interested students should complete and submit the application form provided by CURS. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a complete application:
- Go to the official CURS application link: Application Form.
- Fill out all required fields: personal information, student status, details about your event (conference, exhibition, etc.), and intended travel dates.
- Attach required documentation:
- Event acceptance letter or invitation.
- Registration confirmation or proof of registration for the event.
- Information about your faculty mentor (name, department, contact details) and their support letter.
- Submit at least four weeks before your event date — this helps ensure timely review and allocation of funds.
- Wait for confirmation — grants are distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis while funding lasts.
Be sure to apply early because funds are limited and awarded until the budget for the year is exhausted.
Why This Grant is Valuable – Benefits of the BGSU Travel Support
Here are the major advantages of receiving the BGSU Travel Grant:
- Financial Support: Gain reimbursement of up to $200, which can go toward travel, lodging, registration fees, and related expenses.
- Professional Exposure: Present your research or creative work in professional settings — such as academic conferences, exhibitions, or competitions — which enhances your academic profile.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet researchers, artists, and peers at regional, national, or (in rare cases) international fora — a great way to build connections and open doors for future collaborations.
- Résumé Enrichment: Participation in recognized events adds substantial value to your CV or portfolio, making you stand out for graduate school or employment.
- Academic & Personal Growth: Experience new environments, receive feedback from professionals, and challenge yourself — these experiences can shape your academic journey and artistic vision.
Post‑Event: How to Claim Your Reimbursement
If your travel is approved and completed, here’s what you need to do to receive your reimbursement:
- Within 30 days after returning, gather all required documents:
- Event program — including the cover page and participant list.
- Receipt for conference registration or exhibition fees.
- All travel and accommodation receipts (transportation, hotel, etc.).
- Your credit card or bank statements showing payment for these expenses.
- Email the complete documentation to the Director of CURS — Dr. Cordula Mora.
- Wait for confirmation and reimbursement via the university’s finance office.
Common Questions & Clarifications
Is this only for U.S.-based students? No — students of all nationalities enrolled at BGSU, including international undergraduates, are welcome to apply.
Can I use it for multiple events in a year? Unfortunately, no. The grant is limited to one event per student per academic year.
What if my event is outside the U.S.? International events may be approved on a case-by-case basis — especially if they provide significant academic or artistic value that supports your long-term goals.
For full details or to start your application, visit the official CURS grants page: Click Here For More Information.
Tips & Best Practices for a Strong Application
To increase your chances of getting the grant, consider the following suggestions:
- Apply early: Submit your application and documents at least 4–6 weeks before the event. This helps ensure review time and availability of funds.
- Get a strong mentor endorsement: A clear letter from your faculty mentor explaining the significance of your presentation or artistic work adds weight to your application.
- Choose impactful events: Prioritize conferences or exhibitions with recognized reputations — these reflect well on your résumé and increase the likelihood of approval.
- Budget realistically: Since funding is capped at $200, plan travel, lodging, and registration wisely — sometimes regional travel or shared accommodation may help you stay within budget.
- Keep all receipts and documentation: Reimbursements require strict proof — missing items may result in denial.
Who Should Definitely Consider Applying?
This travel grant is particularly valuable for:
- Undergraduates who have research papers, posters, or presentations accepted at academic conferences.
- Art or design students preparing for juried exhibitions, performances, or creative showcases.
- Students seeking to build their academic resumes before applying to graduate school.
- International students at BGSU who want to gain exposure to U.S. academic culture or showcase their work globally.
Your Next Steps
If you believe you qualify and are preparing to present your work — start by gathering your acceptance letter, event registration, and mentor contact information. Then complete the application form and submit at least a month prior to your event date. Even if your anticipated travel is abroad, if the event is significant, it’s worth submitting — the review committee evaluates international travel requests on merit.
Good luck with your submission! With careful planning, this grant could help you take a big step forward in your academic or creative journey.
