SIPA Student Application for Emergency Relief (SAFER)

SAFER@SIPA Fund Parameters:

Application is available subject to the availability of funds.
Awards may be issued as stipends or tuition credits. There is a lifetime maximum award limit of $10,000.
Processing of stipends typically takes 3-5 business days after initially posted, and with direct deposit, timing also depends on procedures at the student’s bank.
Tuition grants are typically credited to students’ accounts 24-48 hours from the time they are initially posted.
Decisions are final; not subject to appeal. Eligibility to apply does not guarantee an award.

Eligibility Requirements Checklist and Statement of Understanding

DO NOT submit an application if you do not meet all the checklist items. Email the financial aid team at sipa_finaid@columbia.edu to discuss your eligibility.

Currently in residence at SIPA, enrolled in a SIPA degree program at Columbia University in New York City, and in good academic standing.

Facing unanticipated and unforeseeable financial hardship resulting from a legitimate emergency/catastrophic event.

Exhausted all other financial resources, including loans. (US citizens or permanent residents ONLY must have a completed FAFSA for the current academic year on file with the Office of Financial Aid.)

Able to provide a clear and credible plan for meeting expenses for the remainder of your enrollment.

Ready to submit supporting documentation (translated to English, if applicable).

First Name

Last Name

UNI

Email Address

Please provide a short 200 word summary - all fields are required

Approximate date when emergency occurred:

Describe your unanticipated and unforeseeable financial hardship.

Upload supporting documentation (saved in one PDF) that verifies the request for funding here:

Please detail your clear and credible plan for meeting expenses for the remainder of your enrollment at SIPA. Provide detailed breakdown of the full set of remaining expenses associated with all future semesters. Provide detailed descriptions of all anticipated financial resources which will be used to meet these expenses.

Emergency Fund Options

What is the total amount of emergency aid you are requesting?

Please select one option below for Emergency fund (If approved, fund may be processed according to this method)

Tuition Grant - Credited directly towards student's tuition charges (Only if student owes an unpaid balance to Columbia)

Stipend - Paid directly to student, potentially taxable income. We recommend setting up Direct Deposit (Learn more here: https://www.sfs.columbia.edu/direct-deposit)

Terms & Conditions Agreement:

I certify that all of my submissions in relation to this application are true and complete, and I understand that false, incomplete or misleading claims made in the application process are grounds for disciplinary action, which may include permanent dismissal from SIPA.
I understand that applications are subject to availability of funds, and this program may be discontinued at any time.
I am aware applications are generally processed within two weeks; all applications and supporting materials must be submitted for consideration by the committee.
I am aware that my eligibility to apply does not guarantee any award; the decision to award (and the amount of the award, if any) is final and not subject to appeal; decisions are provided via e-mail.

By selecting the "I accept" button below, I understand that I am signing this authorization form electronically. I agree that my electronic signature is the legal equivalent of my handwritten signature on this authorization form. I will not, at any time in the future, repudiate the meaning of my electronic signature or claim that my electronic signature is not legally binding.

I accept