Many Bermudian students do not have the money to go back to university this year.

And was sent letters and advertisements from these students who are asking for loans to go back this September.

Lei-Valli Dunham-Thompson ? about to enter third year at a top university ? wrote a Letter to the Editor for financial assistance from the Bermuda public.

Ms Dunham-Thompson said she has ?tried and tried (to get a scholarship) but to no avail. I work three jobs, and run from university to my jobs. I cannot go to university otherwise,? she said.

Even though she applied to scholarships ?and there have been many? only one person ?called me to ask questions?, she said.

When they found out one of her parents could have helped to pay but did not, she was ?no longer in the running?.

But two students both with a grade-point average of 3.89 ? Simone Romaine, 32 and Natasha Dowling, 32 ? felt they had to place an advertisement in the paper to raise money to go back next semester.

?Need degree to work? and ?need funds to graduate? invited generous individuals ?seeking to invest in Bermuda?s future? to contact them.

They said they want to help the community with their degrees as both worked in summer camps ? ?Challenging Adolescents to Creativity? and ?New Beginnings?.

Because they are over 30 years old, many scholarships do not apply to them.

?Both of our parents have taken out loans already... the bank has so many restrictions on how much you can take out,? Ms Romaine said.

She was still waiting to hear back from Government about their scholarships, she said, but she was not hopeful as she ?has to leave next week?.

?It?s frustrating that every semester we have to go through this,? she said.

The only way she was able to attend last semester was that a female friend ? who wished to remain anonymous ? loaned her the money.

?If it wasn?t for her I would not have been able to do it,? she said.

University fees are her largest expense at $7,000 a semester at her school, the University of South Florida. Coupled with basic living expenses, it is difficult to afford.

They said they were ?not looking for a handout?.

If Ms Romaine ever graduates, she wants to be a school social worker and start social work programmes of her own.

Ms Dowling said before she left for University she was in good credit standing and got a loan from the bank for her studies. Despite replaying the loan they will not give her any more credit she said.

She borrowed from family, even her boyfriend. Her parents tried to get a loan for her.

?I just want to finish,? she said.

Government have promised her a job as a special education and communication specialist when she graduates, but it is uncertain whether she can afford to graduate.

Government gave her a scholarship but it was for two years and it was ?minimal? she said.

Also a single parent, she has her ?son to think about?, she said.

For her the ad was a last resort as she has three weeks left to raise the money to go back.

Kean University in New Jersey costs $5,000 a semester but they will not let her graduate if she owes them money.

?I?m not afraid to work,? she said. ?This is gut wrenching.?