Scholarships/FAQ
FAQ for Scholarships Applicants
Q: How do I apply for a travel grant and scholarship?
A: Using the application form linked at Scholarships
Q: When is the deadline for applications?
A: April 30, 2009 at 23:59:59 UTC.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for a travel grant and scholarship?
A: Any active contributor to a Wikimedia project or any active volunteer is eligible.
Q: What expenses are covered by the travel grant and scholarship?
A: Covered expenses are limited to air, train, or bus fare to/from Buenos Aires as well as Wikimania registration fees. Local transportation, accommodation, meals, and other expenses are not covered.
Q: What if I want to change or add something to my application after the deadline?
A: Please send an email to wikimania-scholarships@wikimedia.org. However, we can not guarantee to take into consideration any information received after the deadline.
Q: When do I find out if I will receive a travel grant and scholarship to Wikimania?
A: Applicants will be notified on or before May 15, 2009. Some will be held on a waiting list and informed on or before May 22, 2009.
Q: Is there a limit to how much of my airfare the travel grant and scholarship will cover?
A: The scholarship may cover up to 100% of your travel, but the amount must be reasonable, as determined by the travel coordinator.
Q: If chosen for a travel grant and scholarship, is there a date by which I must formally accept?
A: If you are notified before May 15, you must accept by May 22. If you do not accept, your place will be given to someone on the waiting list. If you are notified later than that, you will have one week from the date of notification.
Q: How will my travel grant or scholarship be disbursed? Will you send me the money? Reimburse me?
A: Air travel will be coordinated between the Wikimedia Foundation and individual awardees. Airfares will be paid for directly by the Wikimedia Foundation. Scholarship awardees using ground transportation must make their own travel arrangements and will be reimbursed at the conference, and will need to present receipts for their expenditure.
Q: If I am chosen for a scholarship, when will my air travel be booked?
A: As soon after May 22 as possible.
Q: Wouldn't I get a much cheaper flight if I booked now?
A: A travel agent has advised that fare prices fluctuate during any time period due to fare sales, availability, and other factors. Therefore, fares in late May won't necessarily be different from what they are now (they could even be cheaper).
Q: If I received a travel grant or scholarship to a previous Wikimania, am I eligible to receive one for Wikimania 2009 as well?
A: Yes.