Graduate Student Short-Term Emergency Funding is intended to be a resource for students who are experiencing one-time, non-recurring financial emergencies, including unexpected and unavoidable expenses, when they have exhausted all other resources. Each request will be considered individually and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
If Graduate Student Short-Term Emergency Fund disbursements are granted, they do not have to be repaid. Graduate Student Short-Term Emergency Fund disbursements may be subject to taxation based on withholding rates set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Eligibility
- Students must be currently registered in an MIT PhD program or Master’s Program.
- Students on leave from MIT are not eligible to receive the award.
Eligible funding requests
- Unanticipated or unavoidable expenses that may have a negative impact on the student’s educational experience and well-being. These expenses most commonly include basic living necessities and travel expenses due to family emergencies.
- Costs must have been incurred or become due while continuously enrolled during the current academic year.
Application requirements
- Completed Application Form
- Documentation of expenses such as copies of billing statements or receipts are required for reimbursements, as appropriate
- Documentation of rescinded summer position or appointment, as appropriate
In some cases, students will not receive funds if it is determined that:
- Other resources can be utilized to fulfill the need
- The request is related to a pre-existing voluntary obligation
In such instances, students should contact the Office of Graduate Education to explore whether alternate resources may be available.