International Center Emergency Fund

Important Note: During Spring/Summer 2026, reviews take place monthly on the 1st (or the closest business day after).

The International Center Student Emergency Fund provides financial support for unusual and unforeseen emergency expenses. Grants are limited and available to F-1 or J-1 visa holders currently enrolled at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. These emergency grants are intended to provide monetary support to those whose unexpected circumstances have greatly impacted their ability to stay in the U.S. and progress through their studies at U-M.

The funding is evaluated by a committee on a case-by-case basis based on eligibility, need, and available funding.

The number of students who can be supported by the International Center’s emergency fund sources is subject to the availability of funds contributed by donors of the University. This fund is not a scholarship and does not support expenses of tuition/fees. It is designed to assist students through unanticipated emergencies when other funding sources are not available.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant must have an immediate, temporary financial hardship resulting from an unforeseen circumstance.
Applicant must be currently enrolled at the Ann Arbor campus.
Applicant must be in good immigration standing and making satisfactory progress towards degree completion.
Applicant must complete the International Student Emergency Fund application and submit appropriate and relevant supporting documentation.
Applicant must not have already received emergency funding from the IC in the current academic year.

Expenses Usually Not Covered

(this list is not exhaustive):

Tuition, fees, and study abroad costs
Costs associated with renewing a visa or most standard immigration applications (e.g., post completion OPT)
Most flights to/from the U.S.
Expenses not connected to life in Ann Arbor (e.g., a parent’s medical expenses, housing outside of the Ann Arbor area)
Non-essential expenses (e.g., cable TV, delivery fees, gym membership, automobile repairs, household or furniture costs)
Technology purchases (e.g., phones, laptops, printers)
Regularly anticipated, fixed, or optional expenses (e.g., car loan, phone bill)
Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel
Anticipated or chronic funding issues

Examples of Expenses Covered

(this list is not exhaustive):

Unexpected personal medical or dental emergency (first consult the IC Insurance Advisor to see if your insurance will cover any of these costs). This can include medical expenses for spouses/children if they are also living with you in the U.S.
Living expenses (rent, health insurance, groceries) due to change in financial status related to death of a family member, political turmoil, or natural disaster back home.
Household expenses related to burglary, fire, flood, or other disasters.

Application Process

Students requesting emergency funding should complete the International Student Emergency Fund Application. Failure to provide appropriate and relevant supporting documents may void your application.

Apply for International Student Emergency Fund

A committee will review your application materials on the 1st and 15th of each month (or the closest business day after) during the fall and winter semesters. During the spring/summer semesters, reviews take place monthly on the 1st (or the closest business day after). No reviews take place during the Winter Break. Applicants will typically be notified within 10 business days following the start of the review process. The process may be delayed if additional information is needed for review. If your application is approved for support, it will generally take 10 business days for the funds to be disbursed via your student account.

Supporting Documents

When applying for emergency funding, it is crucial to provide comprehensive supporting documents. These documents are key to helping the committee understand your unique situation and why financial assistance is needed. Providing thorough documentation not only demonstrates the validity of your situation but also expedites the decision-making process.

Consider including the following types of documents, if applicable to your case:

Bills and Invoices: Copies of overdue bills, rent statements, medical invoices, student account charges, or any pending payments that are causing financial strain.
Official Notices: Eviction notices, disconnection warnings, or any other official communications that highlight urgency.
Medical Documentation: If applicable, medical reports or statements that explain unexpected medical expenses and their impact on your finances.
Incident Reports: Documentation such as police reports for theft, scams, or other incidents that have caused unexpected financial challenges.

Funding Amount

The average grant amount of the International Center Emergency Fund is about $1,000.

Students experiencing significant financial difficulties that go beyond the scope of this fund are encouraged to visit the International Center’s Student Funding webpage for information about additional resources.

Emergency Grant Taxes

Funds received are generally subject to tax withholding and processed accordingly by the University. For more information about these taxes or to see if your country of citizenship has a tax treaty with the U.S., please review the following links:

Travel Assistance (MERE) Plan

All U-M F-1 students (including OPT students) and all U-M J-1 students (including AT students) and scholars are automatically covered by the BCBS Global Solutions Travel Assistance Plan.

If your emergency requests are related to travel because of your personal or an immediate family member’s health/death, please review the Travel Assistance (MERE) webpage.

BCBS Global Solutions offers several kinds of services:

If you are in the hospital, BCBS Global Solutions will help cover the costs related to bringing a family member to the U.S. to visit you.
Assistance to students who must return home due to a family medical emergency.
Assistance in cases of serious illness or death.

You must contact BCBS Global Solutions in advance and ask them to approve your request. If you don't contact them in advance or if they do not approve your request, your expenses will not be covered. Please refer to the Travel Assistance (MERE) webpage for information on how to contact BCBS Global Solutions.

Please contact the International Health Insurance advising team if you have questions about Travel Assistance.