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. A change in financial circumstances may arise due to events in their home countries such as natural disasters, armed conflict, humanitarian crises, as well as other circumstances, including shifting geopolitical factors. To support our international students in managing financial hardships, the University has established a fund to assist with unanticipated costs. 

The University’s Hardship Fund is limited and is based on financial need; not all requests may be able to be met through this source. Grant amounts vary, and funding priority is based on the urgency of the situation, level of hardship, and the student's overall financial situation.  The University anticipates that the Hardship Fund will provide grants for demonstrated need of $1,000-$2,500, except in extreme circumstances when additional funds may be available.

Please see below for eligibility and the process to apply for support. For any questions regarding these funds, students should reach out to their school’s financial aid office.

Spring 2026 Support

International students who are facing unanticipated costs due to travel complications or the cancellation of travel may request support. 

Students applying for support should be students in good standing, with demonstrated financial need, who are expected to enroll for the subsequent term and who do not have existing funding from the university for the term. PhD students experiencing hardship should contact their school Office of Student Affairs.

Humanitarian Fund

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 and/or region. Countries and regions currently covered are:

Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Northern Ethiopia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Israel, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen.

Guidelines

Grants are anticipated to be one-time 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.

Important Application Information for the University Hardship Fund

  • Students are only eligible for one award.
  • Students must be currently enrolled in a NY-based degree program
  • Due to the availability of funds, not all requests can be fully funded.
  • 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.
  • The application will ask for a description and documentation to support the unanticipated expenses.

  • Please make sure you are signed up for direct deposit.

     

APPLY FOR THE UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HARDSHIP FUND

Click here to submit the Spring 2026 and Humanitarian Fund application. 

We recommend submitting this application using your internet browsers private or incognito browsing functionality.

Decisions are typically made within ten to fourteen business days after submission of all necessary information. Applicants will be notified when their application is received and when it is approved. Depending on reimbursement elections you have made, amount of time to receive your reimbursement may vary. 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 online. The request will be reviewed by your school financial aid office.

2. How much can I receive from the fund?
Grants generally range from $1,000 to $2,500 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 your school financial aid office. 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 ten to fourteen business days after submission of all necessary information. Applicants will be notified when their application is received and then again when it is either approved or denied. Depending on reimbursement elections you have made, the amount of time to receive your reimbursement may vary. If our timeframe changes, you will receive an update via email. Applicants will be notified when their application is received and then again when it is either approved or denied. If our timeframe changes, you will receive an update via email. You will also receive notice if additional documentation is needed. 

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 your school 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.