University Tuition Fee Funding

Dear all,

I am Sajeevan Veeriah from Colombo, Sri Lanka, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering at Deakin University in Geelong, Australia.

It has always been in my own interest and my father’s wish to see me complete this degree in Mechatronics and obtain much more knowledge and experience in this field, for a fulfilling career in the same. However, unfortunately, weeks before my scheduled departure to Australia to pursue this degree, I lost my father to death. This was all too unexpected and tragic, and my family had lost our sole breadwinner, leaving us in a critical and challenging financial situation.

Despite this, I was persistent to not be held back but to move forward and continue my journey to achieve this dream. This decision, although tough as I had to leave behind my family at an emotionally and financially difficult time, was taken with the determination to obtain what is the collective wish of my father’s and mine.

In previous years, I have always excelled in both studies and extracurricular activities. Being the captain of the hockey team as well as the president of a Rotaract Club in Colombo, Sri Lanka for the year 2015-2016 are a couple of them.

Currently, I am unable to pay my tuition fee, which is $4,125 per credit point, summing up to $33,000 per year whereas the university requirement is to cover 8 credit points each year. I have two more years to complete my degree, and my mother cannot afford to pay for all the financial needs for the educational purposes for myself, and my two brothers back in Colombo, Sri Lanka, who are still schooling.

Deakin University has awarded me with a 20% scholarship for academic excellence shown in the previous years of study, but I would still need financial support for the payment of the remainder of the fees. I have spoken to the university in the hope of getting some financial assistance, but they are unable to help further other than offering a payment plan for this semester. As an international student, if the tuition fee is not paid on time, the visa will be cancelled.

I have also approached a number of banks to request a student loan, however, none of them has been able to offer any options given my visa. Despite the increasing number of hurdles, I am still working very hard to achieve mine and my late father's dream.

At present, I am working at Thornton Engineering Pty Ltd, which helps me cover my day-to-day expenses and allows me to pay for some of my fees. Considering the visa restrictions, which allows me to work 40 hours per fortnight during the teaching period and full-time (38 hours per week) during the vacation period, I can earn $3,000 per month during vacation months and save $1,500, while I can earn $2,000 during the teaching period where I can put aside $500 for university fees every month. This will leave me $2,000 short in November 2018 and provided I can raise money to pay for that, I will still be $12,000 short in March 2019 and a total of $55,000 short, for the next two years even after saving up. My next round of fees of $2,700 is due on the 30th of November 2018 and following that, $16,500 is due on the 12th of March 2019.

I extend my sincere gratitude for taking the time to read this and for your investment in my goal. Any financial contribution, big or small, will be immensely appreciated and would definitely help me on my path to achieve my goal of obtaining a degree in Mechatronics Engineering.