Professional Development Awards

Please note that this award is temporarily paused. New applications will be accepted in November 2026. 

Thank you for your interest in the Professional Development Awards program, funded by Boston University Graduate Affairs! We are pleased to offer these awards to support graduate students’ professional development.

What kinds of activities can be funded?

Fundable Activities

• We are happy to support activities that directly support professional development. 
• Some of the most frequently funded activities include: travel to conferences where the student is not presenting, participation in workshops, and completion of non-required or off-campus courses. 
• The fund resets each year (November 5 to August 31). Applications can be submitted within this timeframe for any expenses incurred within this same timeframe.

Ineligible Activities

• We are unable to fund requests that support academic research (for example, travel to conferences where the student is presenting, purchasing research materials and supplies, or travel to collect research data). 
• We are also unable to support large materials and supplies purchases (for example, a new laptop computer).

How are the funds distributed?

• Fill out and submit the Professional Development Application and Budget Sheet below 
• This is a reimbursement-based fund. Upon receiving the award, recipients should submit their receipts (within two weeks of completing the activity, if possible). 
• On a case-by-case basis, we may be able to purchase items directly. However, most awards are reimbursed.

Building Community Together

We see this award as more than funding — it’s a chance to strengthen our graduate community and help others learn from your experience. Here’s what we ask of awardees:

• Share your receipts within two weeks of completing your activity, so we can keep the fund running smoothly for the next cohort. 
• Snap a photo of yourself in the moment — at the conference, the workshop, wherever your professional development takes you. 
• Tell us how it went with a quick Post-Award Report (3–5 minutes) — your outcomes and photo help us celebrate what this fund makes possible. 
• Share your experience on LinkedIn and tag the Graduate & Postdoctoral Success page, so fellow students can see the opportunities available to them.

History of These Funds

The Professional Development Award Fund was outlined in the 2024–2027 BU Graduate Workers Union Collective Bargaining Agreement. Per this agreement (Section 21.2(b), Professional Development Grants): 

“Graduate students may use these grants to cover travel expenses, room and board, materials, equipment, childcare, and any other expenses related to their professional development. Each student may be awarded up to $1,500 each year to cover costs related to their professional development, distributed on a rolling basis.” 

Application Timeline

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during most of the year (November 5 through August 31). 
• Applications are reviewed once per month. The schedule below shows the monthly application review timeline. 
• Applications will be reviewed for expenses incurred within the current application cycle (November 5 to August 31).