The University of Waterloo stands as one of Canada’s premier research-intensive institutions, globally renowned for its forward-thinking approach to education and strong emphasis on experiential learning. Located in Ontario, the university has built a reputation for excellence across disciplines, including engineering, technology, science, and the social sciences. Its thriving academic environment nurtures innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical engagement, making it a hub for ambitious students from around the world.
Within this progressive landscape, the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo offers a rich and dynamic learning experience. One of its standout graduate programs—Industrial/Organizational (I-O) Psychology—prepares students to tackle complex workplace and organizational challenges through evidence-based psychological research.
Scholarship Description
- Host University: University of Waterloo
- Host Country: Canada ;
- Study Level: Postgraduate Level ;
- Scholarship Type: Partial Funding ;
- Scholarship Worth: 1,000$;
- Eligible Countries: National and International students;
- Subjects Available: Industrial/Organizational Psychology under the Department of Psychology.;
- Application Deadline:August 1st, 2025
The I-O Graduate Student Conference Grants are designed to support full-time first-year graduate students—both at the master’s and doctoral levels—who are enrolled in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology program within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Waterloo. These grants aim to encourage early-stage graduate students to engage with the broader academic community by attending prestigious national and international conferences related to the field of I-O Psychology.
Participation in academic conferences plays a critical role in shaping students’ research perspectives, strengthening their professional networks, and providing exposure to the latest developments in their field. Through this grant, the Department of Psychology seeks to ease the financial burden associated with conference participation and promote scholarly engagement from the very start of the graduate journey.
Eligible students can use the grant to cover essential expenses such as conference registration fees, travel, and lodging. The application process is straightforward, requiring a short proposal, a detailed budget, and supervisor approval. Preference is given to students who have not previously benefited from this funding, ensuring that as many students as possible can take advantage of the opportunity.
Scholarship Benefits
The I-O Graduate Student Conference Grants provide a range of academic, financial, and professional development benefits. Here’s what recipients can expect:
- Financial Support of Up to $1,000 Annually
The grant offers up to CAD $1,000 per student to cover eligible expenses associated with attending academic or professional conferences. These expenses include:- Airfare or ground transportation
- Hotel or lodging costs
- Conference registration fees
- Academic and Professional Development
Conference participation allows students to:- Present their research and receive valuable feedback
- Attend sessions led by experts in I-O Psychology
- Build academic and professional networks
- Discover emerging trends and methodologies in the field
- Recognition and Experience
Recipients of this competitive grant enhance their academic profiles and gain practical experience presenting at prestigious venues. This early exposure can be pivotal in shaping career paths in academia, consulting, or corporate sectors. - Priority Conferences Covered
While students may propose participation in a variety of conferences, preference is given to attendees of:- The Academy of Management (AOM) Conference
- The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Conference
- The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Conference
These are highly regarded events within the psychology and management communities, offering unmatched learning and networking opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the I-O Graduate Student Conference Grants, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment Status
- Must be a full-time graduate student (master’s or Ph.D.) enrolled in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology program under the Faculty of Arts at the University of Waterloo.
- Program Year
- Students must be in their first year of the I-O Psychology graduate program at the time of application.
- Application Components
- Submit a short online application form, which includes:
- A brief conference proposal outlining the purpose and value of attending
- A detailed budget listing anticipated expenses
- Expected outcomes, such as professional development goals or planned research presentations
- Submit a short online application form, which includes:
- Approval Requirements
- Applications must receive prior approval from both:
- The student’s academic supervisor
- The Associate Chair of Graduate Affairs (or their designated representative)
- Applications must receive prior approval from both:
- Funding Use
- The grant must be used for:
- Travel to and from the conference location
- Accommodation during the conference
- Registration and participation fees
- The grant must be used for:
- Reimbursement Policy
- After attending the conference, recipients are required to submit a travel claim as outlined by University of Waterloo Policy 31, which governs expense reimbursement.
- Previous Grant Recipients
- Preference will be given to students who have not previously received this grant. This ensures equitable access across the student body and prioritizes those new to conference participation.
Meeting all these requirements is essential for consideration. Students are encouraged to prepare a complete and well-structured application to enhance their chances of success.
Application Process
The application process for the I-O Graduate Student Conference Grants is designed to be efficient and transparent. Here is a step-by-step guide to help students prepare and submit a strong application:
- Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure you meet all the basic eligibility criteria, including enrollment in the I-O Psychology program and being in your first year of graduate studies.
- Identify a Target Conference
- Choose a relevant academic or professional conference to attend. Priority is given to the Academy of Management, SIOP, or CPA conferences, but other events may be considered if they align with your academic goals.
- Prepare Application Materials
- Complete the online application form available through the Department of Psychology’s Graduate Studies website.
- The application must include:
- A concise conference proposal describing your motivation for attending and what you hope to gain
- A breakdown of anticipated expenses, such as transportation, lodging, and registration
- An outline of expected outcomes, such as research presentation, networking, or learning objectives
- Supervisor and Chair Approval
- Secure written or digital approval from both your academic supervisor and the Associate Chair Graduate Affairs (or their designate). This step confirms the academic relevance and feasibility of your conference plan.
- Submit Application
- Send the completed application and all supporting materials through the department’s designated submission platform before the stated deadline.
- Review Process
- Applications will be reviewed by the Administrative Coordinator for Graduate Studies. The final selection will be made by the Associate Chair Graduate Affairs, based on eligibility, clarity of proposal, and available funding.
- Post-Conference Requirements
- After attending the conference, recipients must submit a travel claim in accordance with University of Waterloo’s Policy 31. Receipts and documentation are required for reimbursement.
The University of Waterloo’s I-O Graduate Student Conference Grants provide an exceptional opportunity for first-year Industrial/Organizational Psychology students to engage in the academic community beyond the classroom. By offering up to $1,000 annually to support travel and participation in prestigious conferences, the university demonstrates its commitment to student success, professional development, and academic excellence.
Whether you’re presenting your research, attending expert-led sessions, or networking with leading professionals in I-O Psychology, these grants are designed to give you a head start in your academic and professional journey. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact in organizational psychology and want to expand your horizons, be sure to apply—and take your first step toward becoming a leader in the field.
Official website:
For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://uwaterloo.ca/current-graduate-students/catalogs/graduate-funding-and-awards-database/i-o-graduate-student-conference-grants
