Dear all,

My name is Thavish. I’m 21 years old and currently in the final year of my bachelor’s degree program. I study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. I’m setting up this fund to help support me in completing my bachelor’s degree.

Three years ago, I moved from Chennai, India, to start working towards my long-held dream of becoming a Formula 1 Trackside Engineer. As a non-EU student with no scholarship possibilities or subsidised tuition fee, everything my family had was invested in enrolling me in my undergraduate study program. This meant that all through my studies, I’ve had just about enough money to get by each month.

Yet despite the constant pressure my financial condition has put me in, I’ve enjoyed the rigour of my study program and have been able to do well in my program. In addition to my required coursework, I have also completed extra credit courses, some of them at the Master’s level. I’m curious by nature and love subjects which bridge theory & practical innovation, and have been very motivated to break barriers in motorsports, which have traditionally lacked any real inclusivity or diversity.

Now 10 months away from my graduation, my worst fears of financial collapse have come true. My family is simply unable to continue funding my studies. My sister, based in Germany, who was my primary sponsor, unexpectedly lost her job as a result of an exploitative workplace. This has been a huge blow to my family and our ability to continue paying for my study costs. My sister has been doing everything she can, including taking on casual jobs, which have been barely enough to cover any substantial expenses. To complicate matters further, extended bureaucratic mismanagement by the German state has placed her in an extremely vulnerable situation, removing the only financial safety net that was helping me continue my studies.

I’ve tried to explain my situation to the University and apply for emergency loan assistance. This was declined. I was shortlisted for a paid internship position that required my University to formally recognise it as part of my studies, but they declined. I have tried applying for part-time jobs in Enschede, but as an international student, employers are not willing to pay for the cost of a work permit and health insurance. My university, on their part, has repeatedly suggested I de-enrol and go back to India. My situation doesn’t allow this.

I am requesting €15,000 to help cover my living expenses for the remainder of my studies and relieve the constant financial pressure that has made it difficult to focus on my future. Your contribution will provide me with the stability needed to remain enrolled, complete my degree, continue building my CV, and focus on pursuing traineeship opportunities in motorsport engineering. It would also give me the possibility, after the last 3 years apart, to finally travel back to India and visit my parents.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help provide stability and support. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser

Thank you all so much for taking the time to read my story and supporting my journey!

Thavish