Need support getting to DSA2027?
DSA funds to attend the conference are unfortunately very limited and are unlikely to cover the entirety of your expenses. We therefore encourage all delegates who require funding to apply early to alternative (non-DSA) sources as soon as you know your panel or paper is accepted.
This post aims to help you with DSA funding and signpost other opportunities.
Funding at DSA conferences
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 2026, funding was supported not only by the Development Studies Association but also by University College Dublin, Irish Aid, and the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin. Journal of Development Studies. Together, this allowed us to support the following delegates out of 625 applications received:
- 14 delegates received partial funding to attend in person
- 13 delegates were awarded online fee waivers – which included those who were chosen to attend in person but converted to online attendance due to visa issues.
This shows how competitive the process has become and we regret that we cannot support all applicants, especially as we know that applying for funding takes time and effort. That’s why we encourage those needing funding to prepare before the call opens and think about other opportunities beyond the DSA.
Applying for other sources of funding
- We encourage PGT and PGR students to ask at their university, doctoral college for funding and if relevant your funding or scholarship provider.
- 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.
- Previous attendees have part-funded some costs for example childcare or travel using private sector and civil society contacts where your fieldwork is for example: Lions, Rotary or international NGOs .
- Hone your skills in applying for funding – funders are less likely to fund you “going to a conference” and more likely to fund capacity building, knowledge exchange and decolonisation initiatives. Ensure you work on your funding request pitch. Ideas for better funding requests are in this guide.
- Check out these tips from successful PhDs
Links to other resources for funding:
- For Scholars coming from conflict zones, you may be eligible for these sources.
- 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.
Get organised BEFORE the DSA call for funding opens
The 2026 call for funding will open on 25 January 2027 and remain open for four weeks [midnight GMT on 25 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 closing (5 November 2026) and papers opening (26 November 2026) 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?
Absolutely – each year is assessed independently, though demand always exceeds resources.
Q: I applied last year and I did receive funding. Can I try again?
Absolutely – each year is assessed independently, though demand always exceeds resources.
Q: I have another question – who can I ask?
A: Email [email protected]
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.