Photo: Shutterstock When the covid-19 outbreak started, some students fell into hard financial times, through no fault of their own. University Fund Wageningen (UFW) started a crowdfunding to raise money for an emergency fund for students. Staff, alumni and students contributed a total of 68,730 euros. Twenty-four students have already received financial support.
The students that apply for aid from the emergency fund are mainly international students, says Daniëlle Grashuis of the University Fund Wageningen. ‘The corona pandemic has caused them to fall back in their studies, which is so expensive they are unable to make ends meet. These students have nowhere else to go for financial support. Many students who received help say they would have had to terminate their studies if it weren’t for the support.’
Still open
There is still financial support available for students in need, says Grashuis. ‘Applications may still be submitted on the website. You must be able to prove that your financial situation results from the corona crisis. In addition to bachelor and masters students, PhD candidates with a grant or self-supporting PhD students in financial straits may apply for support.’
A selection committee then checks whether the application meets the requirements. If they agree that support from the fund will allow the student to resume their studies free from financial worry, the application is approved. The money from the fund can be applied towards living costs and housing, for example.
