The William Kinne Fellows Traveling Prize is granted on the merit of proposals submitted for travel incorporating the study of architecture, including planning and other specialized aspects of architecture.

All graduating students are encouraged to submit a study proposal for a postgraduate William Kinne Fellows Traveling Prize. Any graduating student whose degrees will be conferred in the following terms may apply: May 2026, October 2026, February 2027.

Winning proposals are announced on the day of GSAPP’s Spring Commencement. A list of previous recipients and their proposed research topics can be found here.

Prizes will be issued after the recipients’ graduation with the expectation that graduates will use such travel prizes with applicable guidance and regulations.

The deadline for submission of proposals is Wednesday, April 22, 2026 by 11:59 PM EDT.
Please use this online form (to be linked the week of March 23, 2026).

Proposals must include sufficient background material to permit evaluation by someone who may not be entirely familiar with the subject matter. Applications should include a title, a one paragraph abstract, an illustrated description of the research project including specific objectives and end products (not to exceed 4 to 5 pages), a short bibliography, a budget, and any additional supporting documents, such as research contacts. All material should be combined into one PDF and uploaded via the application form. Only one proposal per student will be considered. Joint proposals by two students will be accepted. Up to $3,500 per person may be requested.

Proposals are judged on the basis of their academic merit and the perceived ability of the applicant to successfully complete the study. Previous award recipients have submitted a small collection of digital images to the School upon their return; such contributions after travel are welcomed and appreciated.

The guidelines are deliberately left open to encourage a variety of endeavors. Awards are given only for proposals that clearly demonstrate the potential for excellence; the faculty is under no obligation to award grants solely for the purpose of dispensing funds. The School hopes eligible students recognize the great opportunity associated with this unique prize, and will give it serious consideration and effort.

Awards must comply with Columbia University policy. Proposals with travel to high/extreme-risk areas at time of review through the time prizes are awarded will be disqualified.