Conference support fund
Funding
Assistance
Learn about two distinct opportunities to support your participation in the CIES 2027 Annual Conference — the International Travel Award (ITA) and the Conference Support Fund (CSF).
International Travel Award
The CIES International Travel Award (ITA) for Distinguished Service in Educational Reform was established in 2009 under the presidency of Gita Steiner-Khamsi, through an endowment from George Soros and the Open Society Institute (OSI), and consolidated in 2012 under the presidency of Ratna Ghosh to encourage distinguished researchers and practitioners from the Global South to participate in CIES conferences. Launched at the 2009 annual conference, the endowment attempts to facilitate the participation of international education experts who serve in countries where international projects are implemented.
Are you a current CIES paid member for 2026? (Membership is based on a January-December calendar year). Applicants who are not current 2026 paid members will not be considered for this award. CIES will check your membership status in our software system.
application Deadline- September 30th, 2026
Conference participants with distinguished service to the field, and in particular educational reforms, are invited to apply. The award is available for anyone residing outside the U.S., and preference is given to those from or working in low and middle-income countries. The purpose is to support travel costs. Candidates who have received the award in the past are not eligible.
To complete the application for the ITA Award, submitters will need to upload three files (.docx or PDF).
The three required documents should be created before you begin the application, as you will not be able to save the information and return to it later. The required materials are:
A 500-word personal statement of your service in educational reform
A copy of your conference proposal abstract only (not the full paper or presentation)
Your resume or curriculum vitae
Conference Support Fund
application Deadline- September 30th, 2026
The CIES Conference Support Fund (CSF) provides some support funds to attend the CIES Annual Meeting.
As part of the annual CIES budget process, the CIES Board of Directors voted to allocate funding to assist members in need of conference support funds toward conference registration discounts. We are also seeking funding to provide on-site childcare for individuals facing financial need.
Conference Registration Discounts: Available through a one-time discount code for online registration, which will reduce the cost of early bird registration.
Childcare: Limited funding will be available for those requiring assistance. If alternative support options are unavailable, we encourage you to apply.
Eligibility criteria (for need-based funding — conference discounts, childcare):
Conference Participation: Applicants must have a role in CIES 2027 (presenter, discussant, or chair). In-person attendance is required.
Current Membership: Are you a current CIES member for the 2026 calendar year (January–December)? All presenters at CIES 2027 must also be members of CIES and register for CIES 2027.
Additional Source of Funding: Applicants who do not have other sources of funding will be prioritized (other sources might include funds for reimbursement or compensation for registration fees, travel expenses, or support in-kind or financial).
To apply for conference support funding, please complete the application below by September 30, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. This deadline is firm and will not be extended.
Applications will be reviewed by the CIES Treasurer and representatives from the UREAG, Gender and Education, Social Policy and Engagement, and New Scholars Committees. Notifications will be sent by mid-October 2026.
Recipients of the awards will be provided with more details upon receipt.
For questions, contact the OED at oed@cies.us
