Emergency Aid Application (SAFER)

Eligibility Requirements Checklist and Statement of Understanding

Please do not submit an application if you don't 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 indicate if you are a domestic or International student:

You may be eligible for the University’s Hardship Fund, which offers limited, need-based grants typically ranging from $1,000–$2,500, with higher amounts considered in extreme cases. Awards are prioritized based on urgency, severity of hardship, and overall financial need. Students from countries facing crisis, as identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the World Health Organization, may also qualify for the Humanitarian Fund - a one-time grant to help with unexpected expenses like housing, food, travel, or healthcare not covered by financial aid. To apply or learn more, visit the International Student Hardship Fund. For questions, email InternationalStudentFund@columbia.edu.

Please indicate if you are in year 1 or year 2 of your program:

Year 1

Year 2

As part of the emergency aid review process, students requesting emergency aid assistance must first explore all available funding options, including federal and private loans, before their application can be considered.

If you have applied for and been denied federal or private loans to cover your emergency expenses, you are required to submit supporting documentation as proof. Please select one of the following options:

Yes: I have fully explored all available funding options, including federal loans (for domestic students) or private loans as an International student (https://www.elmselect.com/v4/school/596/program-select), and my application was denied. I will upload proof of denial along with my supporting documents.

No: I have not applied for federal or private loans to cover my emergency expenses and will not be submitting proof of denial. I acknowledge that this may result in the denial of my emergency aid application, as exploring these options is a mandatory requirement for eligibility.

Please indicate the type of emergency you are experiencing

Housing

Medical

Other

Other emergency type

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, potential taxable income. To receive your funds quickly and avoid delays, sign up for Direct Deposit now: Learn more here: https://sfs.columbia.edu/content/direct-deposits . If you're not enrolled for direct deposit, and approved for a stipend, a paper check will be mailed to the address on file, which can take several days and may delay your access to funds.

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

Emergency Aid Application (SAFER)

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