The Linguistics Research Scholarship
In recognition of receiving a significant number of donations last academic year from alumni, graduating students, and their families, the department will create a one-time award that graduate students can apply for.
This year, two graduate students will receive a $500 award to support an academic or professional opportunity. The funds may be used for research, fieldwork, travel to conferences, or other expenses that help students pursue their work beyond the classroom.
General Information
Learn more about who's eligible, when and how to apply, and what the award can be used for.
Purpose
This award will support research and/or professional development, including research expenses, fieldwork, conference travel, etc.
Eligibility
Any currently enrolled graduate student in the Department of Linguistics may apply. The student must be actively enrolled in coursework or research—not on a leave of absence—at the time of submission. Students seeking a December 2026 conferral are not eligible.
PhD students may receive and use research scholarship funds only after exhausting their remaining departmental funds or if their application presents a proposal that requires funding above what remains from their department funding.
When to Apply
The department will accept applications for the 2026-2027 academic year between Monday, November 2, 2026 and Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
Required Materials
Students who want to apply for the award will submit the following in a webform:
- Applicant information (name, email, program, year, advisor)
- Short essay (max. 300-400 words) that addresses:
- Proposed use of funds
- Budget plan
- Impact on your work
- Timeline (when you anticipate using the funds)
Application Review
A committee of faculty members (number dependent on the volume of applications received), will be formed to review the submissions received after the deadline, and make a decision by November 30. The committee will consider both the quality/merit of the proposed activity and the potential impact on the student's research or professional development.
Other Rules
The award cannot be used towards expenses that have already occurred. The award may only apply to expenses after it has been awarded.
PhD students may receive and use research scholarship funds only after exhausting their remaining departmental funds
The award must be spent by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. For students returning the following year, the deadline would be June 20, 2027. For graduating students, the deadline would be April 30, 2027 (the last day of classes). Any unspent funds will be forfeited back to the department. An extension for returning students may be granted on appeal.
Expenses are either procured through University procurement channels or reimbursed by the Department. The student should verify before making a purchase, the best method for securing the good or service. All expenses must adhere to procurement and reimbursement policies and guidelines.
If expenses exceed the award amount, the student may only be reimbursed up to the award amount. If appropriate, a student may receive supplemental funding from a faculty member at that faculty member’s discretion.
Funds may be used to support research, scholarly, and professional-development activities that contribute to the student's academic or professional development in linguistics.
Eligible uses may include research expenses, fieldwork, conference registration and travel, presentation expenses, specialized training or workshops, and other academic or professional-development activities.