Program Overview: The Medical Hardship Scholarship program is designed to help graduate students who may have trouble staying in school and/or paying school-related expenses without the award. Priority will be given to students with life altering or serious illnesses, and those who have medical expenses that may pose an ongoing financial drain that could jeopardize their educational status. Only necessary medical procedures for which no other funding is available may be considered. The maximum scholarship amount is $1000.00.
Eligibility: To qualify for a GSA Medical Hardship Scholarship, students must carry a full-time course load (9 credits, or 6 credits with a graduate assistantship). Students must also have and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Students must demonstrate that the medical condition will present significant financial burden, and that other funding sources are insufficient to cover expenses. All scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the scholarship committee appointed by the Graduate Student Association's Executive Officers. Students may receive only one Medical Hardship Scholarship during their tenure at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Qualifying Expenses: Expenses incurred as the result of a medical hardship up to six months prior to the time of application will be considered. In rare and exceptional cases, where medical problems are demonstrated to be extremely severe and burdensome, GSA may consider funding expenses up to, but not exceeding, one year retroactive to the time of application. No funding will be given for expected or anticipated future expenses.
Application Instructions: Applicants must fill out the application form in its entirety. Applications must also include a two-page letter explaining the need for an award, and the circumstances leading to the financial emergency. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide as much detail about the incurred expenses as possible. Applicants must also nclude supporting documentation, as outlined on the application form.
Deadlines: Scholarship applications are considered once during the fall semester and once during the spring semester. To be considered, complete application packets must be received in the GSA office by October 15 (Fall Semester) or March 15 (Spring Semester).
Disbursal of Scholarships: GSA Medical Hardship Scholarships will be disbursed by the Financial Aid office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to meet with the Financial Aid office to determine the impact of this award on any current or future financial aid.
Contact Information: Questions may be directed to the Graduate Student Association offices (775)-784-4629 or gsa@unr.edu