Undergraduate travel awards

Winter Travel award (application opens January 7, 2025)

The Undergraduate Research Center Travel Award reimburses up to $500 of travel expenses for out-of-state travel and up to $250 for in-state travel for UC Davis undergraduate students who are presenting at research conferences, meetings of regionally, nationally or internationally recognized professional societies (or discipline specific equivalent-e.g. performance at nationally recognized festival). Funds are disbursed through the department of the sponsoring professor (UC Davis faculty).

By presenting at a conference, symposium or meeting, students gain experience communicating research to a wide and interested audience, get feedback on their work, learn from other presenters and broaden their professional network.

Note: Funds for the Undergraduate Research Center Travel Award are transferred to the department of the sponsoring faculty member who writes your letter of recommendation. An account is set up under the faculty sponsor, and when your travel is complete, you will need to submit your receipts to their department for reimbursement. Reimbursement will be issued to you via check or direct deposit. Please note that funds are not disbursed directly to students in advance of travel.

Eligibility

  • Student must be an enrolled UC Davis undergraduate student in good standing at the time of travel. For spring travel awards, students graduating in June will be considered if travel occurs before June 30.  
  • Faculty letter of support is required.
  • Travel must take place during the 2024-25 academic school year. Students may apply only once during an academic school year. 

Additional Campus Support

Student Development Funds

The Student Development Funds, sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, offer up to $500 per fiscal year to current UC Davis undergraduate students for professional development activities. 

Immediate Financial Assistance

Aggie Compass provides emergency financial assistance for students facing hardships such as job loss, accidents, homelessness, and other unexpected expenses. 

Important dates for the 2024-25 academic year: 
 

Winter Travel Award 2025
Application Opens: January 7, 2025
Application Closes: February 3, 2025
Letter of Recommendation Due: February 10, 2025

Spring Travel Award 2025
Application Opens: April 1, 2025
Application Closes: April 28, 2025
Letter of Recommendation Due: May 5, 2025

Note: Travel Award funds for Winter and Spring 2025 are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Fall 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