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GSS Travel Grant: Eligibility Requirements

This page defines who is eligible to apply for the GSS Travel Grant and under what conditions. Applicants are encouraged to review all requirements carefully before beginning a submission. 

Who Can Apply 

The GSS Travel Grant is open to graduate and professional students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville who meet all of the following conditions: 

  • Currently enrolled as a graduate or professional student at UT Knoxville (online, part-time, and professional-track students are eligible provided all other criteria are met) 
  • Travel must occur at least 60 days before your graduation date 
  • Grants are non-transferable and may not be reassigned to another student or applied to a different trip 
  • Students who have already received GSS Travel Grant funding in the current fiscal year, or who have an application currently under review, are not eligible to apply 

Enrollment and standing are verified at two points: submission and travel. If a student’s status changes between those dates, eligibility may be affected. Students whose travel falls near the end of an assistantship or a graduation date should confirm their standing in advance. 

Qualifying Participation 

The grant is intended to support students who actively contribute to their events. Eligible participation generally includes: 

  • Presenting a paper, talk, or poster 
  • Competing in a juried or scholarly competition 
  • Performing as part of a recognized program or showcase 
  • Otherwise representing UT through contributed scholarly or creative work 

Invited vs. Open Call 

When reviewing applications, the committee considers how participation was secured, and the level of participation. Formal invitations — to present, perform, compete, or actively participate — generally signal a higher level of external recognition and prestige than participation obtained through an open call, and are weighted accordingly. 

Eligibility Does Not Guarantee Funding 

Meeting the requirements on this page establishes eligibility to apply. It does not guarantee a grant. 

The GSS Travel Grant is highly competitive, and available funds may not accommodate all qualified applicants in a given cycle. Funding decisions and grant amounts are based on individual financial need, the strength of the application materials, and the significance of the opportunity. 

Where to Go Next 

Applicants who have confirmed their eligibility should review the following pages before submitting: 

  • Application Process: a step-by-step walkthrough of how to apply, from confirming your quarter through grant acceptance requirements. 

Questions About Eligibility 

Applicants with questions about eligibility should contact the GSS Travel Grant Committee at [email protected] before submitting an application. Response times may take several business days, particularly near application deadlines. Early outreach is recommended. 

Last updated on August 26, 2026, at 5:01 pm.