Graduate Professional Development Grant (GRAD)

The Villanova University Career Center (VUCC) is excited to offer Professional Development Grants which enables eligible graduate students to receive amounts up to $2,500 each year to participate in conferences, professional memberships, job fair registration fees, professional networking events and more. Applicants will be evaluated based on need, the experience and how closely the experience aligns with career goals. Applications are reviewed and decisions for awarding grants are made on an ongoing basis during the fall and spring semester application periods. A student may apply once per application period. Advisor, Principal Investigator (PI), or Program Director approval is required* – upload a PDF letter with your faculty advisor, PI, or graduate program director’s endorsement for this experience.

Academic Year 2025-2026 Application Periods:
Fall Semester – August 4 through December 5
Spring Semester – January 14 through April 8

NOTE: Applications will not be accepted to fund summer internships, tuition, education abroad, professional school admission exam preparation courses, medical bills, or certification/license fees. Professional development experiences occurring after a student graduates will not be eligible. If available funds have been distributed, this grant opportunity may close earlier than the posted application period dates. Visit bit.ly/vustudentfundingopps for complete eligibility guidelines. Read thoroughly before you apply.

Award
$2,500.00
Scopes
Student Experiential Funds
Deadline
12/05/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Have you ever been awarded a Professional Development Grant or Summer Internship Grant from the University Career Center? (Check all that apply)
  2. How many academic years are required before completing your graduate program?
  3. What is your anticipated year of graduation?
  4. What amount are you requesting?
  5. Describe what funding you have applied for from other departments at Villanova and include what you have received.
  6. What is the experience for which you are hoping to receive funding. Include the name, dates, location, and relevant links to the experience. (250 Words or less).
  7. Advisor, Principal Investigator (PI), or Program Director Approval is Required: Please upload a PDF communication (letter, email) from your faculty advisor, PI, or graduate program director’s endorsement for this experience.
  8. Provide a personal statement outlining the impact of the opportunity on you, your career progression and/or your community. (250 Words or less).
  9. Upload your budget outlining your intended expenditures. Please note, the PD Grant does not cover expenses related to meals so please do not include this in your budget. Visit the Student Funding Opportunities Website to access the Budget Worksheet Template.
  10. Please upload documentation to support the items listed in the budget you provided in the previous question. This can include screenshots of conference information, flights, lodging, etc.
  11. Financial Need
    • Are you expected to contribute to your current academic year expenses? If so, please check all expenses below that apply.
    • Describe your financial circumstances to help us understand your funding needs. Be thorough and detailed. If you selected any of the boxes in the previous question, please provide details regarding your situation.
    • What are the factors affecting your financial need? Please check all factors that apply.
    • What would you do if you were not awarded this funding?
  12. Please upload a copy of your resume in PDF or Word format
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