Northwestern University in Qatar

Website: https://undergradresearch.northwestern.edu/funding/ayurg/

Summary: Academic Year URGs provide up to $1,000 to pay for your research expenses to do an independent academic or creative project in any field. The project is connected to an independent study or thesis seminar.

Eligibility: NU-Q third- and fourth-year students. Seniors may not apply to conduct projects after graduation. Only one Academic Year URG may be awarded per student during their academic career. If you already received an AYURG from the Office of Undergraduate Research, you may be eligible for a second grant through the Academic Year URG Advanced program.

What it is: Your own project. Use the money for research expenses: lab materials, travel to archives or field sites, study participant compensation, or something else – you decide. While your project may relate to a faculty member’s research or develop from work within a lab, you must design and execute the project independently, with advisory assistance from your faculty mentor.  

What the grant covers:  Students receive a lump sum payment to make their own travel arrangements, such as economy-class airfare, accommodation, transportation, visa application fees, meals etc. Academic Year URGs are exempt from paying the QAR 500 travel confirmation fee. Health insurance is provided for the approved travel period, either through the student’s standard health insurance policy or an extension of that policy.

Website: https://undergradresearch.northwestern.edu/funding/surg/ 

Summary: Summer URGs provide a $4,000 stipend to cover living and research expenses for full-time eight-week independent academic and creative work in all fields of study under faculty supervision.

Eligibility: Northwestern University undergraduates. Seniors may not apply to conduct projects the summer following graduation. Only one Summer URG may be awarded per student during their academic career. If you already received a SURG from the Office of Undergraduate Research, you may be eligible for a second grant through the Summer URG Advanced program.

What it is: Your own project. Full-time (40 hours/week). Eight weeks. $4,000 lump-sum grant paid to you upfront to cover your living and research expenses. While your project may relate to a faculty member’s research or develop from work within a lab, you must design and execute the project independently, with advisory assistance from your faculty mentor. 

What the grant covers: Students receive a lump sum payment to make their own travel arrangements, such as economy-class airfare, accommodation, transportation, visa application fees, meals etc. Summer URGs are exempt from paying the QAR 500 travel confirmation fee. Health insurance is provided for the approved travel period, either through the student’s standard health insurance policy or an extension of that policy.

• Portal Opens: January 1
• Application Deadline: January 31 at 11:59 p.m. (Qatar time)
• Faculty Endorsements Due: Endorsements are due within 72 hours of the application deadline.
• Decision Notification: 5-8 weeks after the application deadline

Important: Late or incomplete applications — including missing faculty endorsements — will not be reviewed.

Application Portal: Link

Student Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Be a current NU-Q student who will return for coursework in the fall following the grant period.
• Be in good academic, financial, and conduct standing (verified by the NU-Q Research Office).
• Not be graduating before or during the summer program.
• Not have previously received a ULG (each student may receive only one).

Program Eligibility

The selected language program must:

• Include at least 120 instructional hours (the equivalent of one year of college-level study).
• Be in-person and immersive, lasting at least 6 weeks and approximately 20 hours/week.
• Offer a structured curriculum taught by qualified instructors.
• Include all four core modalities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Ineligible program types:

• Online or hybrid courses
• Informal tutoring or conversation partnerships
• Programs lacking qualified instructors

The NU-Q Research Office does not maintain a list of approved programs. Students must independently identify a program that satisfies all eligibility criteria.

Searching for Programs

Try search terms such as:

• “Intensive language program”
• “Summer immersion”
• “[Language] university program”
• “[Country] language institute”

Evaluating Program Quality

When reviewing options:

• Examine curriculum structure and instructor qualifications.
• Confirm whether tuition includes housing, meals, or additional fees.
• Seek independent reviews or student testimonials.
• Discuss options with NU-Q faculty who teach or speak the language.

Travel Requirements

• All international travel must follow the NU-Q Student Travel Policy.
• Students are responsible for managing their visa applications and must plan accordingly. When selecting a program, students should carefully consider visa processing timelines, the location where the visa must be applied for, and any travel they may have planned outside Qatar during the summer, to ensure these factors do not delay or prevent participation in the program.

Your proposal must address three required arguments, each up to 500 words (max 1,500 words total).

Argument 1 – Why this language is essential to your future goals.

Explain:

• Your academic goals
• Your intended career path
• How this language specifically supports these goals
• Opportunities that require this proficiency

Argument 2 – Why intensive summer study is necessary.

Explain:

• Why the academic year does not allow equivalent study
• Scheduling conflicts or major requirements
• Time-sensitive opportunities
• Why is immersion essential now

Argument 3 – Why this specific program is the right fit.

Describe:

• The curriculum and proficiency level
• Instructor’s credentials
• Immersion structure and learning environment
• How the program meets your needs

Resources:

• Students are encouraged to book an appointment with the NU-Q Writing Center to review draft proposals.
• ULG Proposal Writing Guide (PDF)
• Language Grant Planning Guide (Google Sheet; “Schedule Planning” tab)
• Annotated Sample Grants:

Two sponsors are required:

Sponsors are asked to comment on:

• How long have you known the student and in what capacity.
• The student’s ability to handle an intensive, immersive language program.
• The student’s motivation for learning this language.
• Anything else you would like us to know about the student (optional).

Questions for Language Evaluation (Word)

2. Academic Sponsor

Sponsors are asked to comment on:

• How long have you known the student and in what capacity.
• How this language study fits into the student’s academic and/or career goals.
• The student’s ability to manage an intensive, immersive learning environment.
• Anything else you would like us to know about the student (optional).

Questions for Academic Endorsement (Word)

Sponsor Requirements

• At least one sponsor must be Northwestern faculty.
• You must discuss your goals with them in advance.
• Provide them with your proposal draft and resume.
• Sponsors submit their endorsements directly to research@qatar.northwestern.edu
•  Endorsements are due within 72 hours of the January 31 submission deadline.

Your budget must include all essential costs:

• Tuition (specify inclusions)
• Housing/lodging
• Meals (reasonable per diem)
• Flights and local transportation
• Health or travel insurance
• Visa fees and vaccinations (if required)
• Course materials

Budget Instructions

• Enter $0.00 for categories that do not apply.
• Specify the currency and exchange rate used.
• Receipts for major expenses must be submitted after program completion.
• If total costs exceed $5,000, explain how you will cover the remaining amount.

1. Language Program Materials

Provide documentation that clearly shows:

• Instructional hours
• Program duration
• Curriculum structure
• Instructor qualifications
• Immersion format

If no official PDF exists, create one using website screenshots. Highlight the section that describes the specific course you intend to take.

2. Resume

Your résumé should be tailored to the academic and professional goals you describe in your proposal. If you have not written a résumé before, please review the resources on the Career Advancement of the MyNUQ website.

• Formatting: Maximum of 1 page; minimum 11-point font.
• Content: Include contact information, education, relevant experience (including non-paid roles), leadership, awards, and skills. Do not include a headshot or personal details such as date of birth, marital status, or gender.
• Style: Start bullet points with strong action verbs (see NCA’s list of action verbs for ideas). Where possible, quantify your experience or explain how it supports the goals outlined in your proposal.
• Organization: Place the most relevant information first and group related experiences together. Within each section, list items in chronological order.
• Relevance: Include non-work experiences (projects, volunteer work, extracurriculars) if they show consistent effort or output related to your academic and career interests. For this grant, you may also include relevant coursework that demonstrates your interest in your proposed language and goals.

3. Transcript

Upload a recent unofficial transcript with your application. The NU-Q Research Office will verify records for awardees.

Important: Falsification of information on an academic document violates Northwestern's academic integrity policy.

Application Portal: Link

The ULG is a competitive award with limited annual availability. Applications are reviewed holistically using the following criteria:

• Essentiality of the language to your academic and professional goals
• Clarity of your long-term academic/professional trajectory
• Realistic plan for achieving and maintaining proficiency
• Justification for undertaking the program during the upcoming summer
• Strength of the selected program and its alignment with eligibility requirements
• Compelling explanation for why this specific program is the best fit
• Strength and relevance of faculty sponsor endorsements

Your application will be evaluated on clarity, specificity, coherence, and the strength of supporting documentation.

• Decision notifications are issued 5–8 weeks after the deadline.
• Awardees must accept or decline the grant within one month of award notification.
• A ranked waiting list will be maintained.
• Waitlisted students may be offered funding if space becomes available.

Before submitting, ensure you have:

☐ Proposal (3 arguments, up to 500 words each)
☐ Budget spreadsheet
☐ Language program materials (PDF)
☐ Resume (one page)
☐ Unofficial transcript
☐ Contact information for both sponsors
☐ Sponsors informed and prepared to submit endorsements
☐ Confirmed eligibility for program and travel requirements

This section outlines common situations students encounter while preparing their ULG applications, along with clear guidance on how to proceed.

1. I found a program I like, but it doesn’t list the total number of instructional hours. What should I do?

Email the program coordinator directly and request confirmation of the total instructional hours and weekly schedule. You must upload documentation showing that the program meets the 120-hour minimum and 6-week requirement. Applications without this information cannot be approved.

2. My program is only 5 weeks long but offers more than 120 instructional hours. Is it eligible?

No. Both requirements must be met: minimum of 6 weeks AND 120 instructional hours. Programs shorter than 6 weeks are not eligible even if they exceed the hour requirement.

3. My program is 6 weeks long but offers fewer than 120 hours. Is it eligible?

No. Programs must offer at least 120 hours of structured instruction. Fewer hours will make the program ineligible.

4. Can I combine two shorter programs to meet eligibility requirements?

No. The ULG supports one continuous intensive program, not multiple short courses.

5. My program does not provide a PDF brochure. What should I submit?

Create a PDF using screenshots from the program’s website. Highlight the parts that show:

• instructional hours
• program length
• curriculum
• instructor qualifications
• immersion components

6. Can part of my program be online?

No. The ULG only funds fully in-person programs. Online or hybrid coursework is not eligible.

7. My sponsor is unavailable or traveling. What should I do?

Plan ahead. You are responsible for contacting sponsors well before the deadline. If a sponsor cannot commit, you must find another eligible instructor or faculty member.

8. I already speak the language at a basic conversational level. Can I still apply?

Yes. You must explain your current proficiency, how the program level aligns with it, and why immersive study is needed to advance your goals.

9. I’m not sure whether my long-term career involves this language. How do I explain it in my proposal?

You must show a clear connection between the language and:

• a current academic interest
• a developing professional direction
• research or internship goals
• regional or cultural expertise you want to build

Even if your career path is evolving, you must articulate how the language is central to your development.

10. My chosen program is extremely expensive and exceeds $5,000. Can I still apply?

Yes. You must:

• Include all costs in your budget
• Clearly identify how you will fund the remaining expenses
• Provide realistic financial planning

Your application will not be penalized for selecting a higher-cost program as long as you demonstrate a feasible funding plan.

11. Can I apply for the ULG again if I used the grant last year?

No. Each student may receive only one ULG during their NU-Q career.

12. Can I apply for both the ULG and the Conference Travel Grant (CTG)?

Yes. They are separate funding opportunities. However, both grants must support activities that align with your academic and professional goals. Both grants must not have overlapping program and travel dates.

13. I am a freshman. Can I apply?

Yes — as long as you meet all eligibility requirements and are returning for coursework in the fall.

14. I am a senior graduating in June. Can I still apply?

No. Seniors who graduate before or during the summer are not eligible for ULG funding.

15. My sponsor submitted their endorsement late. What happens?

Applications without endorsements submitted within 72 hours of your application deadline cannot be reviewed. Late endorsements result in automatic disqualification.

16. What if my visa is delayed and I cannot attend the program on time?

ULG funds cannot be reallocated or rolled over. If you cannot participate in the program for any reason — including visa delays — your award will be cancelled and offered to the next student on the waitlist.

17. Can I change my language program after submitting my application?

Only in limited cases and only before the review process is completed.
If your program changes substantially (dates, structure, provider, or costs), you may be required to resubmit updated materials, and the committee may need to re-evaluate your application.

18. Can I participate in personal travel before or after the program?

Yes, but the ULG will only cover expenses directly related to:

• program tuition
• housing
• meals
• flights aligned with program dates
• instructional materials
• visas
• local transportation needed for the program

Personal travel costs are not covered and must not interfere with your academic obligations or program participation.

19. What happens if I withdraw during the program?

You must notify the Research Office immediately.
Depending on the circumstances:

• You may be required to return a portion or all of the funds, and
• This may affect your eligibility for future NU-Q funding opportunities.

20. What happens after I return from my program?

ULG recipients are required to submit:

• Receipts for major expenses
• A brief reflection report summarizing learning outcomes
• Confirmation of program completion, if issued by the institution

Failure to complete post-grant requirements may impact eligibility for future grants.

21. Can I do a program that has rolling start dates?

Yes, as long as:

• It is fully in-person,
• Meets all ULG eligibility criteria, and
• Takes place during the summer period approved for ULG funding.

22. My program has different levels. How do I choose?

You should select the level that:

• Matches your current proficiency, and
• Aligns with your learning goals

Your application materials must clearly indicate which specific level you plan to enroll in and how it fits your needs.

23. What happens if I do not accept my ULG award within one month of the award notification date?

If you do not formally accept the ULG award within one month of receiving your award notification, your award will be considered automatically declined. In such cases, the funding will be released and offered to the next student on the ranked waiting list. Once the acceptance deadline has passed, the award cannot be reinstated.

Application periods:

• September 1 – December 1
• January 1 – June 1

Processing timeline:

• The CTG review process requires at least 10 business days (2 weeks).
• Following CTG approval, the Research Office needs an additional 4 business weeks to finalize travel logistics and pre‑travel requirements.

Important:

• Applications that do not allow sufficient time for both review and processing will not be considered for funding. Students should therefore plan to submit their applications at least six weeks before the event date.
•  Application Portal: Link

Presentation Requirement:

Students must be invited to present their work at a global event, such as:

• A peer-reviewed academic conference for research papers or posters.
• An internationally recognized festival for film screenings.

Frequency of Awards:

Each student may receive one CTG per academic year, with a maximum of three CTGs during their time at NU-Q.

Good Standing:

Students must be in good academic, financial, and conduct standing. The Research Office will verify this status during the application review process.

Application Timeline:

Students must allow at least two weeks (10 business days) for the CTG review process. Following approval, the Research Office requires an additional four business weeks to complete travel logistics and pre-travel requirements. Applications that do not meet these timelines will not be considered for funding.

Graduating Students:

CTG funding is not available for conferences that occur after a student’s graduation.

Individual Support:

The NU-Q CTG cannot be used to fund multiple students jointly presenting at the same conference. Only one student will be supported per presentation.

A well-rounded and compelling application should:

• Define your NU-Q research focus: Clearly state your scope, area, topic, question, or hypothesis, and provide details about the conference, emphasizing its caliber and significance.
• Articulate expected gains: Go beyond describing the event. Explain the specific benefits of attending, identify tangible outcomes you anticipate, and outline how the experience will contribute to your academic and research development.
• Reflect on sustained productivity: Discuss how insights gained from the conference will inform your ongoing projects, coursework, or future scholarly pursuits. Show how this opportunity connects to your broader research agenda and make a strong case for how CTG funding will support your growth as a student researcher at NU-Q.
• Demonstrate relevance and impact: Present a well-structured application that highlights the relevance, impact, and long-term value of this opportunity, thereby strengthening your request for funding.

Word limit: Maximum of 1000 words.

A NU-Q faculty member must submit a letter addressing the following:

1. Endorsement of the overall proposal and research scope, methodology, and outcomes.

2. Endorsement of the quality and significance of attending the proposed conference/festival.

3. Highlighting the specific opportunity it presents for the student and their research.

Important:

• The endorsement letter should be submitted directly to the NU-Q Research Office at research@qatar.northwestern.edu.
• To avoid delays in the review process, please ensure that your application is endorsed within 72 hours of the submission date. Applications unendorsed within 72 hours of submission will not be considered.

• Abstract: An abstract of your presentation submitted to the conference/festival organizing committee
• Proof of Acceptance: Documentation verifying your acceptance to present at the conference/festival should be converted to PDF.
• Conference/Festival Standing: Information about the conference’s standing and relevance in your field of study.
• Peer Review Feedback: If available, the evaluation should be included in the proposal.
• Additional Funding: Include a brief explanation in your proposal if you have sought other internal and/or external funding resources. If so, outline the sources you have approached, the amounts requested, and the outcomes of these requests.

Your budget must include all costs directly relevant to your conference travel:

1. Airfare (economy class round-trip flight from Doha to [Destination] and back to Doha)

2. Accommodation. The daily accommodation rate should not exceed the approved lodging limits:

• For U.S. travel: refer to G.S.A. Per Diem Rates
• For non-U.S. travel: refer to Foreign Per Diem Rates

3. Conference Fees / Registration

4. Visa Fees (if required)

5. Meals (reasonable per diem). How to calculate per diem:

• For U.S. travel: refer to G.S.A. Per Diem Rates and calculate 75% of 'M&IE total' for each travel day

• For non-U.S. travel: refer to Foreign Per Diem Rates and calculate 75% of 'M&IE Rate' for each travel day

6. Local Transportation (to and from the airport, and between the hotel and the conference location)
7. Other Expenses (if there are essential expenses not captured by the other categories, you can include them here as a sum)

 Budget Instructions

• Enter $0.00 for categories that do not apply.
• Specify the currency and exchange rate used.
• Flight and hotel quotes, per diem rates, transportation quotes, visa fee details, conference registration information, and other supporting documents used to formulate the budget must be included in a single PDF.

Budget consultation

Reach out to Assel Adilova at assel.adilova@northwestern.edu for guidance on budget development. Budget consultations should occur prior to submitting the CTG application for review, as all submitted applications will be considered final.

Funding is limited and competitive. Only complete, well-prepared, policy-compliant applications advance. Applications are reviewed holistically using the following criteria:

• Official acceptance naming you as presenter
• Clear purpose and objectives of your conference participation
• Significance of your work in your field or creative community
• Alignment with NU-Q priorities
• Realistic budget and timeline
• Strength and relevance of faculty sponsor endorsement
• Concrete outcomes showing how the presentation will enhance your skills, expand your network, and support next steps
• Relevant collaborations that strengthen the quality and impact of your work

Before submitting, ensure you have: