Support International UTD Students in Need

The UT Dallas International Student Emergency Fund (UTDISEF) is an initiative designed to provide limited financial assistance to UT Dallas international students facing unforeseen circumstances that threaten their ability to remain enrolled and continue their education. This fund was originally established in 2020 by UT Dallas alumni to support F-1 international students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It continues to receive generous contributions from the UT Dallas community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni. We also receive donations and matching gifts from businesses and nonprofits.

This fund addresses financial needs that, if unmet, could impede a student’s educational journey, immigration status, immigration benefits or delay their path to graduation. The importance of the UTDISEF is its role as a safety net for students experiencing financial hardships due to unexpected emergencies, ensuring they have the support they need to persist in their academic pursuits.

Our fundraising goal for the UTDISEF ImpactUTD drive is $20,000. During 2023-24 we disbursed $12,885. So far in 2024-25, we have already disbursed $8,430. While the number of students needing assistance remains fairly steady, the amount of financial needs each student has is increasing. Reaching this goal will allow the UTDISEF to continue to be a safety net for international students who face unexpected hardships, have limited income-generating options and are often very far from parental and family assistance.

Our immediate funding priorities:

1. Provide assistance to students who have been financially impacted by recent climate disasters, political emergencies or war in their home countries, including Venezuela, Kenya, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon  and continued support to students from Bangladesh in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE) Emergency Student Fund.
2. Continue to fund 100% of the USCIS application costs for all students applying for humanitarian relief, including Special Student Relief and Severe Economic Hardship work authorization, as well as USCIS application fees for reinstatement of immigration status.
3. Fund the cost of OPT application fees for graduating students who would otherwise not be able to afford it and would miss the valuable opportunity to apply the knowledge they learned in their degree via U.S. work experience.

Additional funds will be allocated to our ongoing fund priorities for international students:

• Medical expenses (hospitalization or medication costs).
• Unexpected travel due to emergencies.
• Housing expenses resulting from unforeseen circumstances.
• Assistance for students facing food insecurity.
• Support for those who have lost financial resources due to victimization (e.g., scams or theft).
• Coverage for tuition fees to prevent dropped courses due to non-payment.

The UT Dallas International Student Emergency Fund (UTDISEF) helps international students overcome unexpected financial hardships, allowing them to stay enrolled and continue their studies. This support keeps students on track toward graduation and strengthens the international community at UT Dallas. By easing financial stress, we help students focus on their goals and contribute to the campus in meaningful ways.

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) within the International Center is committed to serving UT Dallas international students, scholars and visitors, campus units and University administration through accurate and prompt immigration services, programming, advocacy and outreach.

The UT Dallas International Student Emergency Fund (UTDISEF) is managed by a team of staff members from the International Student Services Office (ISSO), the Office of Graduate Education and the Graduation Help Desk. Our mission is to support international students throughout their academic journeys. We are committed to providing resources, guidance and financial support to ensure that all students can thrive during their time at UT Dallas.

Visit us at: https://isso.utdallas.edu/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utdallasisso/