Undergraduate research travel awards
The Undergraduate Research Center travel award supports UC Davis undergraduates who are presenting their research or creative work at academic or professional conferences. Students may apply for funding to help offset travel costs for events hosted by regionally, nationally or internationally recognized organizations.
These awards help students share their work, strengthen public speaking skills and build academic and professional networks.
How it works
Funding is limited and awarded through a competitive review process. Applications are evaluated based on clarity, purpose and the potential impact of the experience on the student’s academic and professional goals.
Awards are issued as reimbursements through the department of the UC Davis faculty sponsor who provides the required letter of support. Funds are not disbursed in advance and are not issued directly to students. Travel receipts are required after the event.
Application cycles for 2025–26
Starting in 2025–26, travel awards will be offered twice per academic year, with each cycle covering multiple quarters. Students should apply during the cycle that includes the dates of their conference.
Fall 2025 travel award cycle
Covers travel between: Sept. 22, 2025 – Feb. 6, 2026
Application window: Sept. 29 – Nov. 3, 2025
Faculty letter due: Nov. 11, 2025
Award notifications: Week of Nov. 17, 2025
Student acceptance deadline: Nov. 24, 2025
Spring 2026 travel award cycle
Covers travel between: Feb. 7 – June 12, 2026
Application window: March 3 – April 10, 2026
Faculty letter due: April 14, 2026
Award notifications: Week of May 5, 2026
Student acceptance deadline: May 11, 2026
New policy: Students who do not formally accept the award by the stated deadline may forfeit their funding. Travel outside the eligible dates may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a registered UC Davis undergraduate in good academic standing at the time of travel
- Be presenting original research or creative work
- Have a letter of support from a UC Davis faculty sponsor
- Apply only once per academic year
- Complete their travel by June 30 of their graduation year, if graduating
Additional resources
Student development funds
Provides up to $500 per year for professional development activities. Sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
Aggie Compass
Offers emergency financial assistance for students facing unexpected expenses or basic needs challenges.
The travel awards are co-sponsored by Undergraduate Education
“attending the National Community Reinvestment Coalition's conference gave me the chance to present my research to interested students and professors, such as Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino, director of the Resilient Communities Program at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. By attending the conference, I was provided the opportunity to learn about career and graduate school options, as the conference organized workshops with academics and other professionals. Presenting at the conference was an incredibly valuable activity, and it wouldn't be possible without the support of the UC Davis travel award.” - Brian Lee, Economics