Additional Funding Sources
Conference Travel
Enrolled graduate students in good standing may apply for conference travel support up to $500 once per academic year. Reimbursable expenses include airfare, lodging, registration, and transportation. Per diem and meals are not included. Applications will be accepted for conferences each corresponding term during the following submission dates only:
FALL TERM (October to December)
Forms due: August 1 - August 31
WINTER TERM (January to March)
Forms due: November 1 - November 30
SPRING TERM (April to June)
Forms due: February 1 - February 28
APPLICATION IS CLOSED
SUMMER TERM (July to September)
Forms due: May 1 - May 31
Applicants and their advisers will be notified of the decision by email. To apply, please complete the online form via the active link above and submit it during the submission period for the relevant term in which the conference date falls. You will be asked to include the conference details (dates and location), the relevance to your research, a breakdown of the costs, and if you have applied for and received any additional funding from your adviser, the option/division, or the conference organizers, etc. Funding is limited and priority will be given to students invited to participate in an oral or poster presentation and to those students who have not previously requested funding.
Dependent Health Care
Enrolled graduate students are eligible to apply for reimbursement for health insurance costs up to $120 per month, per dependent. Complete the request form and submit with appropriate documentation. The reimbursement will be paid as a miscellaneous payment through payroll on the next available pay period following submission. Reimbursements are subject to applicable income taxes. Only enrolled graduate students are eligible, and students who are completing their studies should be sure to submit their request form at least one month prior to the end of their final term.
Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund was created from a generous gift and additional tax deductible donations to keep the program funded are welcomed. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to students who are faced with an emergency that impacts their ability to effectively continue their studies. Examples of qualifying needs include, but are not limited to:
- medical or dental bills not covered by insurance
- travel to a funeral or to attend to an important family matter
- loss from theft or fire
- loss of income or housing
- recovery from illness or accident
To apply to the Student Emergency Fund students should complete the online request form. Some detailing of the financial situation is necessary to establish eligibility and additional information may be requested. Expenses for incidents that occurred earlier than 12 months from time of request will not be considered. Awards are contingent on the availability of funds and students must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing.
Requests for emergency funds will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you require immediate assistance please contact the Graduate Studies Office to set up an appointment to speak with a Dean. Please note, funds for legal fees or litigation expenses are not covered by the emergency fund, but students may apply for an emergency loan.
Short-term Emergency Loan
A non-interest-bearing loan for up to $2,000 may be obtained by graduate students for unexpected emergencies. Repayment for the loan begins 90-days from disbursement. Loan applications can be completed in the Graduate Studies Office. For additional information, please contact the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies.
Student Affairs Program Fund
Student Affairs provides funds to student clubs or organizations that provide campus-wide programs at Caltech. The Student Affairs Program Fund is intended for social, cultural, and recreational events and activities that encourage participation from the student community. Our goal is to assist student organizations not only with funding for their programs, but also to help with ideas, support, planning, and organization. The general guidelines for acquiring funding can be found on the Student Affairs website under Program Funding. In order for a funding proposal to be submitted, the student organization must first open a club account with the Bursar's office. If you have questions about the funding process, please contact the office of the Student Affairs Business Administrator at 626-395-3208.