Students who are directly and unexpectedly impacted by conflicts across the globe may apply for emergency funding through this process. Immediate funds are to help support currently enrolled students continue their NYU education. Amounts may exceed the general $500 emergency fund limit and will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Eligible students are encouraged to establish a US bank account and direct deposit in order to access approved funds. Information can be found here: Direct Deposit - NYU.

The NYU Student Emergency Fund assists NYU students by providing financial support when they need assistance with unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable emergency expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, death of a family member, fire damage or need for immediate short-term housing. *Currently enrolled students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources (e.g. additional student financial aid, payment plans, courtesy meals, assistance from family/friends, and other personal resources). This funding is not intended to reimburse for expenses that have already been paid, to support pre-existing conditions, or to replace or supplement existing financial aid. If Student Emergency Funds are granted, they do not have to be repaid, but they do have to be included in a student’s financial aid package.

* Other Resources Available Through NYU:

Possible Expenses Covered by the Emergency Fund

  • Medications and other costs related to emergency medical care that are not covered by your health insurance.
  • Books, remote learning technology needs, and other essential academic expenses.
  • Safety needs (e.g. changing a lock).
  • Replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disaster.
  • Travel costs related to a death or illness of a family member.

Expenses Not Covered

  • Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs, and child care.
  • Non-essential utilities (e.g. cable TV), household, or furniture costs not related to damage or theft.
  • Regularly anticipated fixed expenses (e.g. rent).
  • Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses.
  • Other anticipated expenses (see also our information about NYU Courtesy Meals).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants need to have an immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident.
  • The expense must be unexpected, unforeseen, and the urgent nature unavoidable.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled at least half time and in a degree granting program.
  • All other resources, including student loans, will be considered as available funding, unless such loans are insufficient, or unavailable.
  • Applicants must complete all questions in full and submit supporting documentation.
  • Applicants must not have received NYU Student Emergency Funds. (Students experiencing a second and unrelated emergency situation should reach out to the Office of Financial Aid.)
  • Applicants must be on an NYU New York campus. Students who are NYU Abu Dhabi or NYU Shanghai students with emergencies should email:
  • Depending upon circumstances, if basic eligibility criteria are not met, a short term emergency loan may be offered.

Application Process

Students who are in need of emergency financial assistance may submit an application via the link below. The Emergency Fund Committee will review the applications within two (2) business days and determine the appropriate funding amount. Funds distributed do not generally exceed $500. The committee will review applications requesting an amount in excess of $500 for unique and unusual circumstances of emergency financial need. Applicants may be required to meet with an NYU staff member to discuss their application and/or provide supporting documentation. If you are currently receiving financial aid, please be aware that receiving funding from the Emergency Fund may affect your current aid eligibility (only if your total financial aid, including the emergency fund if approved, exceeds your cost of attendance) and funds received may be taxed as income. For information on the application please contact the NYU Office of Financial Aid at 212-998-4444 or email financial.aid@nyu.edu

Emergency Fund Application