Help me stay in New Zealand and finish my degree

$15,529 of $45,000 goal

Given by 276 generous donors in one year

Share Closed

Help me stay in New Zealand and complete my degree

Dunedin, Otago

+3 images

I am an international student studying physiotherapy in the University of Otago from Indonesia struggling with completing tuition fee, which I would need at least $42,688. I consider New Zealand my home ever since and I have never felt more accepted. I was raised in a Catholic family which has so far made me feel oppressed about my sexuality amongst other things that are against my family’s beliefs.

Also gender equality in Indonesia is a massive problem, and as a woman I feel obliged to satiate societal standards there if I were to go back.

So far my parents have been supporting me with my finances, but due to COVID-19 it has been halted. My parents do not agree with who I am and decided to cut off my finances due to their beliefs and there is no way for me to afford finishing my degree despite having one year left as international fees are high up the sky. I just need one more year to get through to secure my place where I feel safe and accepted.

The requirements for me to further apply for a student visa at the moment is if tuition fees are all covered and paid. Currently I have barely enough money to even cover for rent and food.

Student visas normally last until March the next year, but since my passport is expiring in January 2022, my student visa is only valid until December 2021.

I have applied for a new passport before on the 2nd of September but it was cancelled due to lockdown and so I have rebooked and the only time available is 9 November 2021.

I would have to apply for a new student visa before my current visa expires on 5 December 2021, with requirements that I have to meet to apply:

1. Paying the tuition fee (45k)

2. Having 20k in my bank account to proof that I can sustain myself in New Zealand

Tuition Fees details are provided here

https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/fees/health-sciences/

Immigration requirements for Student Visa provided here

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/full-fee-paying-student-visa

Use of funds

The money will be spent on tuition fees and basic living necessities.

Latest update

Refund for Donations 23 July 2022

Kia ora,

First of all, your help has been a massive help for me to stay in NZ–which is the main goal I am hoping for. However, I never managed to be able to pay off a full year’s worth of tuition on top of living costs.

I managed to do 2 rotations of placement before having to exit the course due to financial and health issues.

For this reason, I am offering those who has donated to me to reach out to me and I will refund the amount you have donated to me (in case anyone feels cheated by this outcome).

Send an email through to nathaniastellahalim@gmail.com, with details about how much you want refunded and we can talk there!

Share this update

Read 1 more update