Help Zeyneb to Pay Her Remaning Tuition Fees

Hello everyone,

My name is Zeynep, I am originally from Istanbul, Turkey. Currently, I am pursuing my master's degree in sociology at the London School of Economics. Recently, I have been facing an unexpected financial hardship due to the removal of my scholarship for the tuition fee, given the worsening economic condition of Turkey caused by pandemic and lockdown. At the beginning of the academic year, I was sponsored by a Turkish organization, called Educ Academy, which ensured me to pay my 3rd instalment for the tuition fee. My scholarship sponsor Mr Cahit Taylan, whom I prepared for IELTS in his Educ Academy assured me that he would be able to make the payment of my last instalment both at the beginning of the academic year and during the academic term for the of 28th April for the last instalment payment deadline. However, on the 4th June 2021, I spoke with Mr Taylan on the phone after repeated emails and messages regarding my last instalment. In our phone conversation, he informed me that he would no longer be able to pay my tuition fees and he did not give any prior notice until very recently.

This was a very unexpected and disappointing situation; however, I tried to seek help from LSE Financial Support Office and my own department. Unfortunately, they were unable to offer any help, and my application to the LSE hardship fund got rejected last week.

Thus, I am experiencing hardship with paying the last instalment of tuition fees which is a total of £7536. On top of this, I am facing penalties and repercussions regarding my visa, and my degree certificate from the LSE. I am not allowed to see the final results of my courses and my degree certificate is withheld by the LSE. Additionally, my student visa and my right to apply for a working visa in the UK following my graduation are at risk now.

I came to the very end of my master's degree as the deadline for my dissertation's submission is on 19th August. I would really appreciate any help and contribution which you may be able to extend to me at this point. As a person, who is coming from an underprivileged background with the aim of equalling the playing field for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and creating a space for Muslim women's voice in academia, any contribution you would make a big difference in my academic life to reach my goal. Also, it would allow me to finish my master education, and carry on my academic studies to a higher level with a PhD.

I have faced several barriers and challenges leading up to this point, and I sincerely hope and believe that your help would enable me to get my master's degree and further my education, at an institution and level which at one stage I would never have thought in reach.

With warmest wishes.

Zeyneb