Northwestern University in Qatar

The Northwestern Qatar Student Emergency and Essential Needs (SEEN) fund is available for students experiencing hardship amid financial duress.

The Student Emergency and Essential Needs (SEEN) Fund provides funding to cover costs associated with emergencies and essential needs (typically not exceeding $1000) that do not have to be repaid. This limited financial assistance is available for those unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an unexpected situation. The fund is designated to off-set a short-term financial need and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid.

We acknowledge that students must have their basic needs met in order to be academically successful and this funding pathway, ensures that our students have the tools they need to succeed.

Eligibility

• Open to all enrolled full-time Northwestern Qatar students
• Eligibility for the Northwestern SEEN Fund is based on student financial aid status and account standing
• An individual may only receive one award during a calendar year.

Qualifying Expenses

Medical Expenses

This includes funding for medical expenses that are not included in the Northwestern Qatar provided insurance. Click here for more information on the existing insurance policy.

• Medical expenses
• Mental health expenses
• Medications or prescriptions
• Medical tests
• Vision 
• Dental 

COVID-19 Related Expenses

Atypical or Nonstandard Housing Expenses

Students experiencing additional costs for housing, beyond the average cost accounted for in your financial aid package, may be eligible to request additional assistance. Examples include:

• Students who need to move during the term due to an emergency.

Atypical or Nonstandard Food Expenses 

• Students without access to the dining hall during work hours.
• Dietary restrictions due to a medical condition.

Emergency travel

Belongings lost due to theft or property damage

What is not covered?

• Tuition
• Student fees or fines
• Laptop or supplemental technologies

Application Review Process

All applications will be reviewed by the Director, Business and Finance. The director will consider the application material and any relevant supporting documentation to assess the viability of the request. An individual may only receive one award during a calendar year.

Applications should include explicit information about:

• Why you are requesting support
• What effect receiving financial support may have on your academics and well-being
• The urgency of the request
• And an explanation of how this is an unavoidable expense
• Any information about other funding opportunities you have pursued to finance the request

Each request is reviewed individually. A rubric will be utilized in the review process and the following factors will be considered:

• Financial aid status
• Impact on well-being, mental health, and academic progress
• Clear documentation
• The nature and urgency of the request

Every effort will be made to process these requests within two weeks. Not every request will be approved and approved applications may not cover the full amount requested. Though the above criteria will be used, each decision is unique to each student's application and individual financial situation. All decisions are final and there is no appeal process. For questions, please contact the Director of Business and Finance at david.donaghue@northwestern.edu.

Students seeking assistance with expenses not covered by the SEEN fund may be eligible for a Student Loan through Business and Finance. For questions, please contact studentfinance@qatar.northwestern.edu.

The application is accessible here.