Need support getting to DSA2026?
Get organised BEFORE the call for funding opens
Attending the DSA annual conference is a fantastic opportunity to share your research, connect with colleagues, and engage in important conversations about development. We know, however, that the cost of travel and participation can be a barrier for many. Each year, DSA works with partners to make funding available for delegates from the Global South, early career researchers, and colleagues in precarious employment.
In 2025, funding was supported not only by the Development Studies Association but also by the University of Bath, Journal of Development Studies, Development in Practice, and the Journal of International Development. Together, this allowed us to support 92 delegates out of 403 applications received:
- 57 delegates received partial funding to attend in person
- 35 delegates were awarded online fee waivers
This was an increase on previous years, but it also shows how competitive the process has become. We regret that we cannot support all applicants, and we know that applying for funding takes time and effort. That’s why it’s worth preparing before the call opens.
Why get organised early?
The 2026 call for funding will open on 19 January and remain open for four weeks [midnight GMT on 20 February]. We strongly recommend preparing in advance because:
- Having a role at conference is critical to obtaining funding – so being aware of the dates for panels opening (8 September 2025) and papers (13 November 2025) is critical
- The application requires detailed information on costs, funding sources, and roles at the conference.
- Decisions are made based on multiple criteria (see below), so presenting a clear and accurate case is important.
- Leaving your application until the last minute risks incomplete information or technical problems.
What you will need to apply
When the call opens, you should be ready with:
- Confirmation of your role at the conference (e.g. presenting a paper, convening a panel, discussant).
- A clear breakdown of your anticipated costs (travel, accommodation, visa, registration).
- Information on any other sources of funding you have applied for or secured.
- Your institutional / organisational affiliation.
- Visa information (if you already hold a visa for Ireland, please let us know).
How decisions are made
Applications are assessed based on:
- Active participation in the conference (e.g. convening a panel, presenting a paper, chairing meetings, holding multiple roles).
Financial need (taking into account income, employment status, and other available funding). - Geographic diversity, with a priority on supporting scholars and practitioners from the Global South.
- Career stage, with a priority on supporting those in the early stages of academia – PhDs/ ECRs as well as those from the policy and practitioner sector.
Common mistakes in funding applications
- Providing incomplete or vague cost
- Forgetting to include details of other funding sources
- Applying without a confirmed role in the conference programme
- Submitting after the deadline
FAQs
Q: Can I apply if I am presenting online?
Yes. Online delegates may be considered for fee waivers.
Q: Can I apply if I have already secured partial funding elsewhere?
Yes – please indicate this clearly in your application.
Q: I applied last year but didn’t receive funding. Can I try again? Or I applied last year and I did receive funding. Can I try again?
Yes – each year is assessed independently, though demand always exceeds resources.
Q: I have another question – who can I ask?
A: Email [email protected]
Final thoughts
Funding is highly sought after, and we cannot support everyone who applies but we recognise that everyone who applies is deserved. When we do not accept a funding application, this is due to a limit in the amount of funds available and the high volume of applications, and not because the committee does not recognise the merit or need of an applicant. We encourage trying again each year as things can change, but regretfully all decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Other sources of funding:
- We encourage PGT and PGR students to ask at their university or doctoral college for funding and if relevant your funding or scholarship provider.
- Those based in universities in the UK may have subscriber access to the website https://www.postgraduate-funding.com which also lists potential conference funding sources.
- Contact regional and thematic associations (for example African Women in Agricultural Research & Development or the West African Research Association) who may know of or have potential sources of funding.
- Grants through civil society organisations where your research takes place eg Lions, Rotary or international NGOs .