Scholarships for international students attending conferences?

As an international student, I'm interested in attending academic conferences but the costs can be high. Are there scholarships available that specifically support international students in attending conferences? Where should I start looking for these opportunities?

There are indeed various organizations and institutions that provide scholarships, grants, or travel funds specifically to assist international students in attending academic conferences.

Here are a few possibilities to get you started:

1. Rotary International: Often organized at a community level, Rotary Clubs have been known to provide funding for students (including international students) to attend conferences. You can contact your local Rotary Club for more information and to inquire about availability of funds.

2. Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research (GIAR) program: If you're actively involved in a research, this program might assist you in conference costs. Keep in mind, this grant is usually open to undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of field of study.

3. Scholarship portals: Resources like Appily, IIE Passport, and FastWeb could aid you in finding scholarships and grants applicable to your needs.

4. University Funding: Depending on your institution, the international student office or specific departments may offer their own scholarships or grants for domestic or international conferences.

When looking for these opportunities, start as early as you can. Keep track of deadlines and gather all required documents in a timely manner. In some cases, you'll be asked to submit an application form detailing your objectives and how attending the conference will benefit your academic progress. It's crucial to prepare a compelling case, explaining not just why you want to attend, but also how you plan to give back to your academic community or utilize the knowledge gained. Start now to set yourself up for success.