University International Student Hardship Fund

Columbia benefits immeasurably from the diverse views and experiences of our remarkable international students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We understand that our international students may face increased uncertainties and challenges while away from home during their studies, arising from natural disasters, armed conflict, humanitarian crises, and other circumstances. These situations may give rise to financial challenges. To support our international students in managing these financial hardships, the University has established a fund to assist with their unanticipated living costs. Grants are available to students from countries undergoing hardship as identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in their Special Student Relief list and World Health Organization Humanitarian Crises list, both of which are updated when new events warrant the inclusion of a country. Countries currently covered are below.

Grants are anticipated to be one-time, generally range from $1,500 to $5,000, and assist with unanticipated costs related to housing, necessary travel, food/living expenses, childcare, healthcare, or other living expenses that are not funded by current financial aid awards. Eligible students may apply at any time this academic year and their request will be reviewed by Student Financial Services. For any questions on this fund, please contact [email protected]. For assistance with tuition-related charges, students should reach out to their school’s financial aid office.

Eligibility Requirements

Students whose nationality/country of citizenship is identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and World Health Organization’s listings are encouraged to apply for this grant. Applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • Home Country: Current international students from Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Cameroon, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iraq, Israel, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen
  • Student Status: Currently enrolled in a degree program
  • Financial Need: Have unanticipated living expenses that arose from the current conditions in their home country that are not covered by financial aid

Guidelines

The University International Student Hardship Fund was created to assist eligible students with a one-time emergency grant to alleviate expenses due to uncertainties and challenges while away from home as a result of:

  • Natural disasters
  • Armed conflict
  • Humanitarian crises
  • Other circumstances

The one-time emergency grant supports living expenses that are unanticipated and not covered by current financial aid awards:

  • Childcare
  • Food
  • Healthcare
  • Housing
  • Necessary travel

The emergency grant does not support the following expenses:

  • Tuition and related fees
  • Expenses already funded by current financial aid/support

Important Application Information

  • Students are only eligible for one award.
  • The application will be open for the entire academic year.
  • The award does not have to be repaid. It is not a loan.
  • Grant funds must be used for the purposes specified in the application.
  • Grants will be processed as aid for living expenses and paid as a stipend. If required, taxes will be withheld. Information on stipends can be found here and information on tax can be found here.
  • Please make sure you are signed up for direct deposit.

APPLY FOR THE UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HARDSHIP FUND

Decisions are typically made within seven business days after submission of all necessary information. Applicants will be notified when their application is received and when it is approved. If our timeframe changes, you will receive an update via email.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I apply for the fund?
Students can apply through the application form available here. The request will be reviewed by Student Financial Services.

2. How much can I receive from the fund?
Grants generally range from $1,500 to $5,000 and are intended to cover unanticipated living expenses not covered by current financial aid awards.

3. How are grants awarded?
Grants are awarded after a review by Student Financial Services. Students are eligible for only one grant, which does not need to be repaid and is not a loan.

4. Are there any tax implications for receiving a grant?
Grant funds may be taxable. As with any non-tuition aid, students are responsible for reporting the grant income and paying any applicable taxes.

5. How long does it take to receive a decision on my application?
Decisions are typically made within seven business days after submission of all necessary information. Applicants will be notified when their application is received and when it is approved. If our timeframe changes, you will receive an update via email.

6. Who should I contact if I have not received the awarded funding?

If your application was approved and it has been more than 10-15 business days, please contact [email protected].

7. Who should I contact for more information?
For questions about the fund, please contact [email protected]. For assistance with tuition-related charges, students should speak with their school’s financial aid office.

8. Who do I see if I need assistance with tuition and fee charges or if my country is not listed and I am having financial challenges?

While this program is targeted as described, students may see their school’s financial aid office.