We know COVID-19 continues to cause financial hardships for many of our students, and we are pleased to share that next week we will open applications for student aid through the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

UCF has received more than $25 million in relief funds that we will award directly to eligible students and prioritize based on those with the greatest need.

This is an important step in helping eligible students overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and continue on their paths to academic and career success. The funds are designed to assist with expenses related to a student’s education or any emergency costs that arose due to COVID-19. Undergraduate, graduate, M.D. and UCF Online students who meet eligibility requirements can receive the funds.

Last week, students received an email with a link to an application to complete in order to be considered for an award. We will prioritize students who did not receive CARES Act funding from UCF and are Pell eligible. Students who received CARES Act funding from UCF are still eligible and are encouraged to apply.

Note that due to federal requirements students must have submitted an error-free 2020-2021 FAFSA or must submit a 2020-2021 FAFSA application in order to be considered for the funding. The federal legislation requires that students be:

  • degree-seeking, enrolled in the term for which they are seeking assistance
  • U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens

The application for emergency grants will remain open though 11:59 p.m. February 20 and the funds will be distributed in early March. You will not be required to submit any receipts to demonstrate specific financial need as part of your applications.

We encourage all eligible students to apply for aid. Please watch for the email you will receive next week with an application link and the deadline to submit applications.

If you have questions, please review this detailed FAQ about the HEERF awards. You will find answers to common questions quickly through the FAQ. The Office of Student Financial Assistance is working hard to respond to students’ inquiries about other financial aid topics and is experiencing a high volume of calls at this time.

Thank you for supporting and caring for your fellow Knights.