Funding for student activities

University competitions

A university competition is a formal activity that is part of an educational process and organized by a university, a faculty, a department, a student committee, or an institutional partner.

During this event, students compete against one another, putting their knowledge, intellect, research skills, and analytical abilities to the test.

The aims of academic competitions include:

• Promoting academic excellence
• Fostering experiential learning
• Encouraging teamwork
• Promoting innovation
• Recognizing student achievement.

There are various types of university competitions:

• Case competitions
• Simulations
• Business creation challenges
• Public speaking competitions 

University competitions follow predefined rules and evaluation criteria and officially recognize the winners, such as with an award, an honourable mention, or a certificate.

For more information, visit the University Competitions website.

Professional or educational activities

The primary purpose of these activities is to: 

• Apply or reinforce the knowledge gained through the programs offered by HEC Montréal.
• Develop knowledge that is new or supplements courses aligned with HEC Montréal’s educational objectives.
• Develop professional skills.
• Facilitate entry into a profession or, more broadly, into the job market.

This funding must not:

• Be the sole source of revenue for the activity. Additional sources of funding are required.
• Exceed 50% of the activity’s total actual cost.
• Be considered a recurring source of funding or an anticipated source of revenue.
• Be intended to secure the long-term viability of a student group.

For expenses to be eligible, they must be related to the event’s organization or to the participation of members of the HEC Montréal community.

Examples: 

• Communication, security, catering, travel, lodging, registration, venue rental, and audiovisual expenses.
• Supplies, registration fees, gifts for speakers. Please note that rules apply to gifts. Check with Student Services or the University Competition Service, as applicable. 

Participation fees for individuals who are not members of the HEC Montréal community are not eligible.

Planning an internal university competition

Strategic value (35 points)

• Contribution to students’ experience
• Alignment with the School’s priorities
• Relevance of the project

Project quality (25 points)

• Clarity and structure of the project
• Credibility of the organizing committee
• Risk management

Reach (15 points)

• Scale of the competition
• Quality of participants and speakers

Funding (25 points)

• Realistic budget
• Self-funding ability
• Diversified revenues

Participation in a university competition outside HEC Montréal

Strategic value (35 points)

• Student development
• Alignment with the School’s priorities
• Relevance of the competition

Preparation and guidance (30 points)

• Selection process
• Quality of guidance
• Preparation plan

Reach (10 points)

• Scale of the competition

Funding (25 points)

• Realistic budget
• Self-funding ability
• Funding efforts

Other professional or educational activities 

Strategic value (35 points)

• Contribution to students’ experience
• Alignment with the School’s priorities
• Relevance of the project

Project quality (30 points)

• Clarity and structure of the project
• Risk management

Reach (10 points)

• Scale of the event

Funding (25 points)

• Realistic budget
• Self-funding ability
• Diversified revenues

The allotted amount is paid in two installments.

1st installment: 50% of the funding will be disbursed around November or December, once an agreement has been signed between HEC Montréal and the group receiving the funding.

2nd installment: The remainder of the funding—that is, the lesser of: 

• the balance of the total funding granted, or
• 50% of the actual costs of the activity.

The second installment is paid after the activity report as well as the detailed report on actual revenues and expenses have been received and reviewed.

The report must be submitted no later than 30 days after the date of the activity. Depending on the nature of the activity, the report must be submitted to either Student Services or the University Competitions Service.