Emergency Bursaries

Emergency Bursary Regulations

1. An Emergency Bursary, grocery store gift cards and meal cards are non-repayable grants that may be available to enrolled students who find themselves in extreme circumstances or are experiencing unexpected financial hardship. 
2. Students with emergency needs must meet with a representative from the Office of the Registrar, during drop-in counselling hours to discuss their financial circumstances.  Indigenous students may choose to meet with representatives in Indigenous Student Services to discuss their financial circumstances.  Other referral networks exist on campus to support students in crisis, such as Security Services, Indigenous Student Services and Student Support and Case Management.
3. Students are required to complete a bursary application.
4. Students may be required to submit supporting documentation to confirm financial need and/or extreme circumstances, as determined by the Office of the Registrar, Aid & Awards.
5. All Emergency Bursary payments are disbursed through the McMaster Student Account. 
6. The University may remove specific Emergency Bursaries from the University Calendar, may revise the terms and stated value and/or suspend the granting of Emergency Bursaries (e.g. donor funds).
7. Emergency Bursaries supported by donor funds may have additional eligibility requirements.

Emergency Bursaries

The Interim Room Program Emergency Fund

Established in 2019 by McMaster University.

Requirements: To be granted to students experiencing personal safety concerns related to their housing to help with the immediate costs of relocation so that they can continue to pursue their academic studies and reach their potential. 

The McMaster Emergency Bursary Fund

Funding provided by McMaster operating funding.

Requirements: To be granted to students who demonstrate urgent financial need due to exceptional circumstances as determined by the Office of the Registrar, Aid & Awards.

The McMaster Students Union Emergency Bursary Fund

Established in 2016 by the MSU Board of Directors and members of the McMaster Students Union.

Requirements: To be granted to full-time undergraduate students who are members of the MSU and who demonstrate urgent financial need due to exceptional circumstances as determined by the Office of Aid & Awards.