Graduate Emergency Fund

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has access to funds to support GSAS students who are experiencing financial hardship due to an unanticipated event.

Award Terms and Maximum

Funds are generally limited to $300. Funds are distributed on a case-by-case basis, and if approved, will be processed as soon as possible.

Graduate Emergency funding may create a taxable event that could require reporting to the IRS by the recipient.

 

Eligibility

To be eligible to receive graduate emergency funds, a student must

  • Be a currently-enrolled GSAS PhD student in good academic standing
  • Not have yet received the $300 maximum from the Graduate Emergency Fund in the current fiscal year (June-May)
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. Unfortunately, international students on F-1 and J-1 visas are not eligible for funds for unexpected expenses, per the federal regulation of their visas. Also, payments made from U.S. sources constitute taxable income to a nonresident payee and the College must withhold tax from the payment at a standard rate of 30 percent. International students are encouraged to contact GSAS to explore alternative sources of funding.
  • Have an emergency event through which the student incurs unforeseen expenses
    • Travel expenses due to a serious illness, death or emergency in the student's immediate family
    • Essential dental work or eyeglasses
    • Unforeseen personal medical expenses
    • Replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
    • Safety needs, such as winter clothing for students from warm climates

The Graduate Emergency Fund is not used to cover charges from Bryn Mawr, or items already calculated in a student’s financial aid cost of attendance (such as tuition, room and board and fees, and books). Because these emergency funds are limited, we also encourage students to pursue other institutional financial resources, including student loans before applying to receive funds. The amount given is determined by the need and subject to the availability of the funds.

 

Apply

Please click on this link to apply for funding from the Graduate Emergency Fund. You may be contacted to meet with a staff member of GSAS to discuss your circumstance and then they will consult with campus partners, including the financial aid office. 

Students should contact Meghan Hall in GSAS (gsas@brynmawr.edu) to discuss their specific situation.

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