The International Student Emergency Fund is designed to support international students at the University of Arizona who face unforeseen, short-term financial emergencies. This one-time award can help with unexpected and urgent hardships such as medical expenses, theft, or other emergencies, and is available in amounts of $750 or $1500. Please review the eligibility criteria and application process below to determine if you qualify.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must:
- Eligible applicants must:
- Reside in the U.S. with an F-1 or J-1 student visa.
- Be enrolled full-time at the University of Arizona and maintaining status.
- Be degree-seeking and in good academic standing (not currently on academic probation).
- Demonstrate that financial need arises from unforeseen, urgent emergencies.
IMPORTANT This fund is not intended to address long-term financial challenges, such as the loss of a primary funding source. It also cannot subsidize costs for newly arrived students who have lost access to long-term funding.
This award is non-renewable. Students who received prior funds will not be eligible for additional funding within the same fiscal year.
Examples of eligible expenses:
- Unexpected personal medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
- Immediate housing or utility needs to avoid eviction or shutoff
- Emergency travel related to illness, death, or crisis in the family
- Essential car repairs for commuting to campus or field work
- Replacement of essential personal belongings lost due to theft, flood or fire
- Costs incurred as a victim of a crime or accident
This fund is not meant for:
- Tuition and fees
- Travel or visa expenses
- Financial support for friends and family in home country, or outside of Tucson
Application Process
Submit the International Student Emergency Fund e-form in MyGlobal. Be prepared to upload any supporting documents (for example: police report, medical bills, receipts, etc.) and respond to the following questions:
- What is the nature of the emergency?
- How will these funds be used to offset the cost of the emergency?
- What financial support or other resources have you accessed or are currently receiving to address this emergency?
- What steps have you taken to manage this situation on your own?
- As an international student, you are required to demonstrate sufficient funding to cover your own educational and living expenses while studying in the U.S. How do you plan to address your financial needs beyond this immediate emergency?
Application Review
Applications are reviewed by a committee and consider the need and circumstances of each applicant. Awards are subject to the availability of funds.
Application Cycle
There may be several review cycles each semester, pending availability of funds.
Cycle 1
- We’ll share an update in our newsletter once the International Student Emergency Fund e-form is available.
- Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
Award Disbursement
You may receive an award in the amount of $750 or $1500 depending on the nature of your emergency and the funds available.
If awarded, the fund will be posted directly to your account in 3-5 days of notification. If there are existing charges on your Bursar's account, the fund will be automatically applied to those first. This includes future installments of the Tuition Payment Plan (if enrolled). The remaining funds will be refunded to to you via one of the Bursar's refund delivery methods.
Please be aware that this award may be subject to taxation. For more details on tax withholding and other related information, please refer to the Financial Services website.