PhD Student Research Funding

Who can apply for PhD student research funding?

Individual research grants are limited to PhD students from the Political Science and International Relations Department specializing in international relations and comparative politics (i.e., IR or CP is either your primary field or one of your subfields of study).

Some awards are restricted to PhD students who have advanced to candidacy, including a clear plan for the dissertation and how research support is needed to achieve your goals.

A demonstrated record of participation in CIS programming is also a criteria for qualifying for funding support.

What are the expectations in terms of participation in CIS programming? 

This requirement pertains largely to active engagement in the weekly IR & CP Workshop Series, which takes place throughout the year every Wednesday at 12:30 pm. Your access to funding support during the academic year and each summer is contingent on your attendance and your record of participation serving as a discussant and presenter. 

It is understood that you will attend as much as possible in your first year, volunteer to serve as a discussant by your second year, and present a paper at some point in your third or fourth year. We understand you have many commitments, including teaching assistantships, that may make it difficult to attend regularly. We encourage you to contact CIS if you have conflicts that make it difficult to attend the workshops during any particular semester. 

How do I apply for research funding?

Please review the Call for Funding proposals and then complete the online CIS Graduate Student Research Funding form and upload the following documentation.

• Proposal/project description, with detailed budget proposal (250–500 words)
• CV
• Endorsement from dissertation chair/faculty advisor

How do I obtain an endorsement from my faculty advisor? 

Applications for funding must be accompanied by an endorsement from your dissertation advisor. (Students who have not yet identified a faculty advisor must contact CIS to determine if they are eligible to apply for funding.). Before submitting your proposal to CIS, send the draft of your proposal and budget to your advisor and ask them to fill out this endorsement form. Please allow them ample time to review your materials prior to the deadline. 

When does CIS begin accepting proposals for PhD student research funding for the new academic year?

CIS distributes the call for PhD student funding proposals for the new academic year in October each year. 

The center also distributes a call for summer funding in early April each year. 

What is the deadline for submitting funding proposals?

The deadline for fall research funding proposals is November 13. The deadline for summer funding proposals is April 15.

What is the deadline for spending research funds?

The deadline for spending research funds is May 15. This deadline is necessary in order to process all payments and reimbursements associated with the grant by the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Can I extend the deadline for spending my funding?

PhD students seeking funding for purchases needed in summer 2025 should apply for summer funding rather than for the fall cycle. 

Can I rollover funds?

Applicants cannot rollover funds. One of your goals in seeking and obtaining funds is to demonstrate your commitment to adhere to your agreement and schedule for your proposal. In the event of exceptional circumstances, please contact CIS at cis@dornsife.usc.edu. 

Instead of seeking a rollover, applicants can instead apply for funding at the beginning of the following year. Bear in mind that any review of future proposals will consider your past record of managing funding awards and demonstrating an effective use of CIS grants.

What happens if I don’t spend the entire allocated amount by the May 15 deadline?

Any remaining balance at the May 15 deadline will not be carried over to the next academic year. It is crucial to plan and utilize the allocated funds within the specified time frame.

How much funding can I apply for?

PhD students who qualify can obtain up to $1,500 in research funding during the fall application process.

What expenses are eligible for funding?

• Travel related to research (airfare, ground transportation, lodging)
• Surveys, experiments, and other types of primary data gathering (for guidelines regarding the purchase of surveys, please contact the CIS office at cis@usc.dornsife.edu)
• Research materials (books, etc. that are not available via library or interlibrary loan)
• Hiring undergraduate research assistants (URAs) for 2024–25 academic year (required to attend a CIS orientation workshop)

What types of purchases are not covered by CIS funding awards?

• Attending conferences (Please apply for funding through the POIR PhD office)
• Equipment, computers, cell phones, cell phone plans, etc.
• Course work fees (i.e., language, methods)
• Software
• Labor and service fees (i.e., local guides, translators, editors)
• Gift cards, cash advances, food and meals

Why can’t the funds be used for language or methods classes?

In general, CIS provides funding in support of research, while the POIR department provides funding in support of instruction and any needed enhancements or supplements to the curriculum. Please contact the POIR Department for other funding opportunities.

Email cis@dornsife.usc.edu with any additional questions.

The Center for International Studies is committed to ensuring equity in its mission to support scholarship in international studies.