Crowdfunding university fees has become a popular option for students faced with unregulated and rising tuition fees. Postgraduate students, in particular, are struggling to fund their education, as they are often ineligible for government loans or scholarships, and working part-time can harm their academic progress. However, while crowdfunding can be an effective solution for self-funding students, it is also an ethical conundrum that divides opinions.
For instance, Ellie Burch, a 24-year-old graduate from Goldsmiths, University of London, has recently launched a Hubbub campaign to fund her art psychotherapy course, aiming to raise £20,000. Burch was ineligible for the postgraduate loan and failed to secure other funding, thereby turning to crowdfunding. However, she admits feeling embarrassed about e-begging and is concerned about negative perceptions from others.
Additionally, debates regarding special treatment are also raised, as many students also struggle with accompanying financial burdens. However, Burch has pledged to donate a portion of her proceeds to a cancer charity, the Fountain Centre, to ensure that her appeal is not solely self-serving.
Despite the challenges that come with crowdfunding university fees, various successful campaigns prove that anything is possible, with Joanne Garner being one example. She raised £4,530 on Indiegogo by offering handmade rewards after doing extensive research and targeting a more extensive donor pool beyond her family and friends.
Despite the possibility of confusion among some people, Garner’s campaign received a mostly positive response. Her unwavering determination and resourcefulness were admired, particularly given the financial obstacles that regular people face when pursuing further education.
While crowdfunding can be a clever way of financing education, Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, warns that it is often not a practical option for many. He describes it as an "ingenious but insecure" means of funding, adding that it is primarily those with unconventional interests or backgrounds who stand to benefit.
Andy Westwood, a professor at the University of Winchester, notes that success in crowdfunding comes with its own set of challenges. Meeting all of the promises made during the campaign can be particularly difficult. "Presenting an idea that resonates with potential donors and then managing these relationships while studying can be daunting," he says.
However, the success of Garner and other crowdfunding campaigns may be too appealing to resist, despite the potential pitfalls. Garner herself observes that crowdfunding is gaining popularity as a fundraising tool, so much so, that her university is advertising crowdfunding events to help students launch successful campaigns.
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