Scholarships for attending international conferences?

Does anyone know if there are scholarships available for international students who want to attend international conferences? I'm thinking about attending a science conference next year, and financial help would be amazing.

While it's challenging to provide specific scholarships without more details on the type of conference or your educational background, there are quite a few avenues you might consider.

First, researchers and students often get funding to attend conferences from the institutions where they work or study. If you're a university student, ask your department or research advisor if there are available resources for this purpose. Universities often have "professional development" or "travel" grants that students can apply for. This kind of funding is usually competitive, so you'll want to make a strong case about the value of the conference to your academic or professional development.

Next, check with the conference organizers directly. Many conferences have opportunities for financial assistance, especially for students, early-career professionals, or individuals from underrepresented groups in the field. This might involve discounted registration or even a travel stipend or grant.

Professional organizations and societies in your field might also offer scholarships or funding. For example, the American Chemical Society and IEEE have been known to provide financial support for members to attend conferences and present their work. Membership in these organizations often comes with other benefits that can support your career.

Nonprofit or charitable organizations also can offer funding opportunities. If your research aligns with the organization’s goals, they may have grants for attending conferences.

Remember to start your search well in advance of the conference, as applying for funding can be a time-consuming process and decisions are often made several months ahead of time. Also, be prepared to provide a justification for why attending the conference will support your career goals or the advancement of your field. Good luck!