M.E.T. Professional Development Grant Program

The total amount of funds available each semester is $5,000. Each student may be eligible for up to $500, once per year in M.E.T. Applications are reviewed on a semester by semester basis, however students are only eligible to receive funds once per year. Students must:

• Be currently enrolled in a minimum of 13 units during the semester for which they are requesting funds. Cannot be on withdrawal or cancellation status.
• Have completed a minimum of one semester in the M.E.T. program. (First-year students may apply beginning with the Spring semester, or once their first semester GPA has been posted.)
• Maintain good academic progress towards both of their degrees.
• Be in good academic standing (3.0 technical and overall GPA number) and clear of any reviews for conduct violations.
• Be requesting to attend a meeting or conference organized by professional societies, universities, institutes, or other academic organizations.
• Be requesting funds that will have applicability to students’ degree and/or career trajectory. 

If you apply for this grant, please note, it will be treated as a reimbursement after the travel/activity has occurred rather than using it to pay for costs upfront, and requires the submission of adequate documentation for reimbursement. Grant application review and processing time for the award may take up to 2-3 months in total. We also cannot guarantee that every application will be funded. Grant amounts will depend on the location of the conference (up to $250 within California, and a maximum of $500 for other locations).

Please complete the M.E.T. Professional Development Grant application to apply. Priority is given to applicants seeking funds in the following order: 1) presenting at a conference, 2) funds for professional development, or 3) attending a conference. You may also write in the reason for your request for a grant. Applications will be reviewed first-come first-served on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted for the semester. 

The amount of the award given, if granted, will depend on the total number of qualifying applications received and the overall number of grants to be awarded. The maximum amount awarded per person is $500. The application review process and notification will be complete within 10 business days. 

If your application is selected, students will need to submit a reimbursement request as directed upon notification of a grant award by the M.E.T. Program. For more information, please see the below resources:

• You may review the UC Berkeley Travel Policy in its entirety here. 
• After your travel has taken place, please submit this Continental Reimbursement Form along with copies of all itemized receipts.

Please note that applications must be COMPLETE and CORRECT in order to be considered. 

What types of events are covered by the M.E.T. Professional Development Grant?

Workshops, conferences, professional development or academic programs and events relevant to a student’s current studies and/or research

When will I know if my application has been approved?

Notification will be made on a rolling basis, typically within 10 business days of submitting a request. You may submit a request after you have already completed your travel/participation, but approval is not guaranteed.

What happens if my application is approved?

You will be notified by email, and further instructions for reimbursement will be provided.

Is the grant provided upfront or as a reimbursement?

The grant is provided as a reimbursement, funds are not provided in advance.

What documentation is required for reimbursement?

Official receipts are required; see more information here. 

How long does it take to process the reimbursement?

Travel application review and processing time for the award may take up to 2-3 months in total. It is not guaranteed that every application will be funded.

Can I apply more than once in a year?

No, you can only apply once per academic year while enrolled in the M.E.T. program.

Is there a guarantee that my application will be funded?

No, we cannot guarantee funding for every application.

Can I apply for the grant if I’m planning to attend an event during the summer session?

Summer opportunities would need to be requested in advance of the end of the prior semester; e.g., if you wish to attend a conference in July of 2025, you would need to submit your application by May 1, 2025.

What should I do if my plans change after my application is approved?

Please notify our team immediately if you have a change in your plans. 

Is there a specific format required for the receipts I submit for reimbursement?

A valid receipt contains payee’s name, amount, date, place, identification of what was purchased, and proof of payment.