Teen Prodigy’s Dreams on Hold: International Student Faces Tuition Crisis
Sara Saedi,a 15-year-old international student from Iran,is facing an uncertain future at concordia University in Montreal despite achieving straight A’s in her first semester in the biochemistry program. The reason? A steep rise in tuition fees has left her with an outstanding balance,jeopardizing her ability to remain in the country and continue her studies.
The Rising Cost of Education
Tuition for international students in Quebec has recently increased to a minimum of $20,000 per year. For Saedi, the annual cost is $26,000. This financial burden, coupled with her parents’ limited resources after their retirement, presents a significant obstacle to her academic aspirations.
A Student’s Plea
Saedi explained the unexpected financial strain: Right now I have an outstanding balance to the university. It’s about over $20,000 for the semester that I had here.And we did not expect for the tuition to go this high the first time when I applied to the university, which was back in 2022.
Family Sacrifices
Masoumeh alimohammadi, Saedi’s legal guardian and an immigration consultant, emphasized the family’s commitment: They are willing to sell whatever they have to support Sara since she came here. They did that to support the cost of living for her, but after that the tuition fee is a big obstacle for her.
A Call for Support
Alimohammadi is appealing to the government and the community for assistance and has launched an online fundraising campaign to help cover Saedi’s educational expenses.
The Stakes
Without financial support, Saedi faces the prospect of returning to Iran, a place where she no longer feels safe.
Her aspirations of working in pharmacy to develop antibiotics hang in the balance. Before attending Concordia, she graduated from high school at 13 and has mastered five languages.
A Future Scientist?
Saedi’s academic focus is clear: I’m studying biochemistry as my final goal to kind of reach in my studies is in the pharmaceutical field. So biochemistry sounds like a solid foundation for that, so that’s why I chose this program.
Hopes for the Future
Alimohammadi believes in Saedi’s potential: With government support I think it would be much easier. She’s a talented mind and I think Canada will benefit in the future of Sara.She is going to become a future scientist, researcher and she can serve our country.
