Registration Grants & Financial Assistance

The AAS is committed to addressing the concerns of diversity and equity at our annual conference as well recognizing the need for conference registration financial assistance. Below are funding opportunities currently available to assist individuals with attending the AAS 2023 Annual Conference.


Japan Studies Graduate Student DEI Travel Grant 

The Japan-US Friendship Commission (JUSFC) has awarded the AAS $5,000 to support the AAS 2023 Annual Conference attendance of up to five (5) graduate students in Japan Studies. The Association for Asian Studies is grateful for the support of the JUSFC and is delighted to have this opportunity to support conference participants. The aim is to increase the presence and participation of racial and ethnic minorities as well as LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, as well as those of low socioeconomic status, and other underrepresented groups. Applicants do not need to be a part of an organized session, nor do they need to be members of the AAS, to receive the grant.

Eligible costs for the grant include airfare and hotel accommodations up to $1,000 per awardee from their institution to Boston, MA for the in-person conference March 16-19, 2023. For application criteria and submission details, please click here. Grant applications must be submitted no later than January 18, 2023.

Deadline: January 18, 2023 extended to February 1, 2023

Grant recipients will be notified via email.


Diversity and Inclusion Conference Registration Grant 

The AAS is pleased to announce as a part of our Diversity and Equity Initiative, a conference registration grant in support of students and faculty in the field of Asian Studies at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  Diversity and Equity Conference Registration Grants cover 100% of the conference registration fees for the AAS 2023 Annual Conference.   

Eligible applicants include undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at an HBCU who are either currently enrolled in Asian Studies related courses and/or minoring or majoring in Asian Studies, and faculty teaching courses in the field of Asian Studies, including languages courses, at HBCU.  

HBCU students and faculty should complete the application posted below.  Diversity and Inclusion Conference registration grant applications must be submitted no later than February 13, 2023.

AAS membership is not a requirement to apply or receive complimentary access to the AAS Annual Conference.

Deadline: February 13, 2023

All applicants will receive a confirmation of Diversity and Inclusion Conference Registration Grants via email followed by conference registration confirmation.


Complimentary Student Conference Registrations Lottery

The AAS is pleased to once again present the complimentary conference registration student lottery. The AAS will select twenty (20) students to receive free conference registration to the AAS 2023 Annual Conference.

To enter to win a free registration, complete the submission form.  Winners will be selected by random draw. The deadline to enter is November 10, 2022 at 11:59pm ET. The official drawing will take place on November 11, 2022, and winners will be notified via email.  

For contest rules and regulations, click here.

Update: The Student Lottery is closed and all winners have been notified.

Deadline: November 10, 2022

Selected winners who are currently not active student members will need to submit proof of student status by November 15, 2022.


 Accessibility Grant 

The AAS is pleased to provide a limited number of accessibility grants to attend the AAS 2023 Annual Conference to qualified applicants who have been directly affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Individuals furloughed from their college/university or who are currently unemployed may apply for the Accessibility Grant.  These grants will cover conference registration fees for the AAS Annual Conference.   AAS membership is not required to apply.  

Update: This grant is closed and all applications are currently under review. Applicants will receive a decision no later than November 14, 2022.

Deadline: November 3, 2022

Grant recipients will be notified via email.


Geiss Hsu Annual Conference Travel and Participation Grant

The Geiss Hsu Annual Conference Travel and Participation Grant will award up to $2,000 each in travel support to scholars specializing in studies of Ming China, as well as scholars who engage in research related to the Ming. Applicants do not need to be a part of an organized session, nor do they need to be members of the AAS, to receive the grant.

Scholars of diverse rank and affiliation may apply for the grant, but preference will be given to contingent or part-time faculty, students, and independent scholars. The grant will cover expenses for in-person participation such as conference registration, economy airfare, and hotel. A select number of virtual participants will receive support for their registration.

Deadline: December 10, 2022 extended to December 19

Grant recipients will be notified via email.