Two New COVID-19 Grant Programs for Graduate Students

The University of Illinois will soon launch two new COVID-19 grant programs. Both are funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) III, which is part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

HEERF III COVID-19 Emergency Grants

Graduate and professional students may submit a request for an emergency grant of up to $1,000 to help with financial challenges associated with COVID-19. Students enrolled in an on-campus or online program are eligible to apply regardless of nationality or citizenship status.

More information about this grant is available online.

The application period for COVID-19 Emergency Grants will begin Monday, August 23, and close Friday, September 17, 2021.

HEERF III COVID-19 Doctoral Program Disruption (DPD) Grants

DPD grants are dedicated to helping doctoral and MFA students who demonstrate exceptional need. Examples of exceptional need may include food, housing, health care (including mental health care), child care, and/or a COVID-related disruption or delay in your graduate studies that has extended your time to degree.

DPD grants are available in the amount of $5,000. University of Illinois students enrolled in a doctoral program or a Master of Fine Arts program and who are registered at the time of application are eligible, regardless of nationality or citizenship status.

For details about the DPD grant, see the Graduate College website. The application period will open Monday, August 16, and close Friday, September 3, 2021.

Students who are eligible for the DPD grant may also be eligible for the HEERF III Emergency Grant. Students eligible for both will need to submit a separate application for each grant program. Application to or receipt of the HEERF III Emergency Grant does not impact eligibility for the DPD grant.

We understand that the pandemic has impacted our students in various ways and are pleased to be able to offer these two grant opportunities.

Sincerely, Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko Dean, Graduate College