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Hi everyone, my name is Albaraa. I moved from Egypt to the Netherlands 5 years ago to study at the TU Delft. Now, I am currently finalizing my Master’s degree in Nanobiology at TU Delft. It has been a long and rewarding journey, but I have recently run into a financial roadblock. My family, who supported me so far, can no longer fund my last year of tuition.
I explored every possible option before turning to crowdfunding:
- I applied for scholarships, but was unfortunately rejected because the funding gap was considered too large.
- I repeatedly reached out to TU Delft to request a payment reschedule, but have been told exceptions cannot be made.
- For the past 4 years I have been working part-time (16 hours a week, the maximum allowed by Dutch law for international students on a student visa), which is enough to cover my rent and basic living costs but does not allow me to contribute to tuition.
That leaves me here; asking for your support to help me finish my Master’s degree.
Questions you might have:
- How much are you missing? The total gap is €20,000, which TU Delft requires in 8 installments of €2,500 each, to be withdrawn 24th of each month.
- Why can’t you just work more hours? As an international student, I am legally limited to 16 hours per week of work. I already work the maximum allowed, earning about €1,200/month. This just about covers accommodation and food, but not tuition.
- What happens if you don’t reach the full amount? Even partial contributions make a big difference. If I can’t cover the full tuition, I risk delaying my graduation or even losing my place in the program. That’s why any help, no matter how small, is incredibly meaningful.
- Would that mean our money is wasted if you only get partial support? Not at all. Every installment of €2,500 keeps me enrolled for another month. That extra time is incredibly valuable; it allows me to continue my studies, search for additional solutions, and reopen conversations with scholarship providers and the university. As the financial gap narrows, I also have a stronger case for requesting a payment rescheduling plan. In short, even partial support directly helps me move forward and stay on track toward graduation.
- How much longer until you graduate? I am on track to graduate by July 2026, which is the normal duration for my program.
- How will the funds be used? Every cent will go directly to my tuition fees. TU Delft automatically withdraws €2,500 each month on the 24th for tuition, so your support will immediately help keep me enrolled and moving toward graduation.
- Why is finishing this degree important to you? I have dedicated the past 6 years to my studies (BSc & MSc) in Nanobiology, with the goal of using science to make a real difference; whether in healthcare, technology, or research that improves people’s lives. Completing this degree is not just about me; it’s about being able to use the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to contribute back to society.
- Couldn't you have planned ahead? I have been carefully planning my studies for the past 5 years, and with the support of my family’s savings, we were on track. Unfortunately, recent economic crises in Egypt and the dramatic, uncontrollable decrease in the value of the currency have exhausted all of our savings. Despite careful planning, this situation was entirely unforeseeable, and I am now left without the funds to cover my final year.
How you can help?
- Donate if you are able to.
- Share this campaign with your network, friends, or social media.
Every bit of support is much appreciated and brings me closer to crossing the finish line of my Master’s journey. Thank you!
Organizer
Albaraa Khalil
Organizer