Global Skills Opportunity Travel Grants FAQ
The Centre for International Programs is excited to announce the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) Travel Grants! This funding opportunity is designed specifically to support and increase the participation of students who are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad opportunities, including Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis), students registered with Student Accessibility Services, and/or students who have demonstrated financial need.
Study abroad programs are an important opportunity for students to develop academically, professionally, and personally. We hope that this funding will reduce some of the barriers and allow more students to participate and experience the many benefits of study abroad!
CIP received close to $1,000,000 between the two GSO projects that were funded, to be spent over 4 years. Over 80 percent of this money goes directly into the hands of students in the form of two travel grants.
*Please note that students travelling in 24/25 must be on programs that return to Canada by March 30, 2025 to be eligible for GSO funding.
FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding eligibility, grant requirements, and the application process. If you have any further questions, please email cip@uoguelph.ca.
Students must be:
- Registered as an undergraduate student at U of G
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Any of the following, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis), registered with Student Accessibility Services, and/or have demonstrated financial need. Note, students may be in one or more of these identified groups
Over the course of 4 years (till March 2025), CIP has been awarded close to a million dollars to help support U of G students studying abroad! Eighty percent of this goes directly into the hands of students in the form of a grant, while the rest is used for wrap around supports and to help administer these programs.
As a part of your application for this grant you will be required to submit a budget outlining the main costs of your trip. Eligible expenses in your budget include tuition, living expenses, dependent care, health insurance, immunizations, transportation, and accommodation during their outbound mobility experience.
Students are not able to receive this grant for travel to any country or region of a country with a Global Affairs Canada travel advisory of level 3 (avoid all non-essential travel) or level 4 (avoid all travel). Students travelling in 24/25 must be on programs that return to Canada by March 30, 2025 to be eligible for GSO funding
The funder requires that travel grant recipients must complete a pre-departure form as well as a post-experience report and may be asked to participate in program evaluations which may include surveys, interviews, case studies, among other activities.
Inclusive Field School Travel Grant
The Inclusive Field School Travel Grants are available for those students who have been selected to participate in a summer field school. Applications will open in early March and are due March 15. Please see the full details below regarding eligibility and application instructions.
How much funding is available: up to $10,000 per student
Students are eligible to receive up to $10,000.
Note, the budget you provide in your application will be considered along with the maximum amount you are eligible for when determining the amount provided to successful applicants.
The application deadline is March 15.
Note: Applications are closed and will open in March once students have been accepted into study abroad programs!
Inclusive Study Abroad Travel Grant
The Inclusive Study Abroad Travel Grant is for students who are participating in any University of Guelph-related, international experiential learning opportunity. This may include programs such as exchange, summer language programs, an international co-op placement, etc. It is not restricted to the programs that are offered by CIP, but students must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below.
The length of your international learning experience will determine the amount of funding you are eligible for. Note, the budget you provide in your application will be considered along with the maximum amount you are eligible for when determining the amount provided to successful applicants.
- Up to $5,000 for travel 1-4 weeks
- Up to $10,000 for travel 5-16 weeks
The regular annual deadlines are:
- Summer Programs: March 15
- Fall & Winter Programs: June 30
Note, should you be accepted to a U of G international experience after the stated deadline, we will consider your application if there are any funds remaining to be distributed.
Note: Applications are closed and will open in March once students have been accepted into study abroad programs!
Read through the Terms and Conditions on the Student Financial Services website.
*Note, this is pilot project finishes March 31, 2025. Therefore, all international learning experiences must be completed and students returned to Canada by March 30, 2025 to be eligible for funding.
Complete the online application here
