The Graduate School at Michigan Tech is dedicated to helping all students achieve their educational goals regardless of financial circumstances. With this in mind, the Graduate School, the Alumni Board of Directors, and the Graduate Student Government established the Graduate School Emergency Fund Program (GSEFP) to financially assist graduate students with emergencies or financial hardships outside of their control.
Graduate School Emergency Loan Program
Graduate students who experience emergencies or financial hardships outside of their control can apply for small, short-term, non-interest University loans. Emergency Fund loans are currently limited to a maximum of $500.
Who Qualifies?
In the semester the student is seeking financial assistance, the following eligibility conditions apply:
- Must be enrolled in at least one graduate credit hour
- Must be in good academic and conduct standing
- Must not have an outstanding unpaid balance on a previous GSEFP loan
Qualifying Reasons
Students who are experiencing emergencies or unexpected financial hardships may request financial assistance from the GSEFP. Examples of emergencies or hardships could include but are not limited to:
- Family reasons
- Academic reasons (books and fees)
- Medical emergencies
- Accidents
- Emergency travel
Loan Amounts and Frequency
Loans can range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $500 with the amount determined by the student. Qualifying students can request one GSEFP loan per academic year.
Repayment
Emergency loans are required to be repaid within one calendar year from the receipt of the funds or before the end of the student’s last semester. If students do not repay the emergency loan within these time frames, they may receive registration or transcript holds on their accounts.
How to Apply
Students may request emergency loans by filling out an application. Requests will be reviewed by a committee composed of members of the Graduate School, Graduate Student Government, Alumni Board of Directors, and Student Financial Services Center. All discussions and decisions of this committee will be strictly confidential and selection decisions will be made within approximately seven business days from the receipt of the request.
Graduate School Emergency Grant Program for International Students
The COVID -19 pandemic has created stress and uncertainty for all of Michigan Tech. This is especially true for our international graduate students. Many of our international students have lost their on-campus jobs, summer internships and are unable to travel home. In times of need we have always been able to depend upon Michigan Tech alumni. Through the generous donations of alumni and friends of Michigan Tech, we are now able to offer monetary grants to our current international graduate students that do not need to be repaid. The number of grants is currently limited, but we hope to raise additional funds to keep this program viable for the future.
Who Qualifies?
In the semester the student is seeking financial assistance, the following eligibility conditions apply:
- Must be enrolled full-time
- Must be in good academic and conduct standing
Qualifying Reasons
International students who are experiencing emergencies or unexpected financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic may request financial assistance from the GSEFP in the form of a grant that does not need to be repaid. Examples of emergencies or hardships could include but are not limited to:
- Loss of internships or jobs
- Past due rent/utility payments
- Inability to purchase food
- Medical emergencies
- Accidents
- Emergency travel
- Family reasons
Grant Amounts and Frequency
Grants can range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $500 with the amount determined by the review committee. Qualifying students can request one GSEFP grant per academic year, with second grant requests considered under special circumstances. To discuss second grant requests, please contact Jacque Smith.
How to Apply
International graduate students may request an emergency grant by filling out an application. Requests will be reviewed by a committee composed of members of the Graduate School, Graduate Student Government, Alumni Board of Directors, and Student Financial Services Center. All discussions and decisions of this committee will be strictly confidential and selection decisions will be made within approximately seven business days from the receipt of the request.