Law student whose scholarship fell through to be denied degree without help

Raphael Chinwuko

Raphael Chinwuko was admitted to Durham University in 2016 and was offered a scholarship by a private organisation based on his strong academic performance.

However at the end of his first year the university told Mr Chinwuko that his fees had not been paid.

It transpired that the organisation was unable to honour the scholarship because of financial problems – meaning Mr Chinwuko had to find a way to pay the outstanding fees himself.

He started working part-time at a pub during term time and holidays, while also volunteering at a Citizens Advice Bureau and maintaining a strong academic record.

However, the university has now informed him that he will not be allowed to sit his exams and that his visa will be cancelled on 21 July if the fees are not paid in full.

The Home Office will repatriate him to his home country on that date.

Mr Chinwuko said: “I’m losing hope that another scholarship will come through and I know I cannot possibly earn the necessary amount of money that will stay any further action from both the university and the Home Office by the July deadline.

“My situation is urgent as I have been withdrawn from the university and the Home Office will be repatriating me to my home country on the 21st of July, if the university does not receive its money.”

Using GoFundMe, he is trying to crowdfund the fees and has asked for donations from anyone who would like to help.

“Your donation will do so much. I will be reinstated to the university, be able to sit my second-year exams in August for which I have still been studying all through this ordeal, and I will be able to start my third and final year at Durham,” he said.

Sally McGill, chief financial officer at Durham University, told Scottish Legal News: “Whilst we are unable to comment on the specifics of Raphael’s case, we hope he can find the funding to continue his studies at Durham.

“On occasion, factors beyond a student’s control can significantly change their financial circumstances – even if they had a sound financial plan in place when embarking on their studies. On the rare occasion where a sponsor fails to pay on a student’s behalf, a student can find themselves liable for a debt.

“If a student is unable to pay, it is not in their best interests to struggle to continue with their studies with mounting debt.

“We consider each student’s circumstances and look to set up a manageable payment plan, whilst always trying to ensure fairness and consistency in how we support students in such difficulty.”

Mr Chinwuko needs £27,000 to satisfy his tuition fees and finish his last year of the LLB.

He has so far raised about £15,300. If you would like to donate, please click here.