Disheartening Experience with Coursera’s Financial Aid ProcessI applied for financial aid on Coursera, hoping to access a course that could help me build skills and eventually improve my financial situation. Coursera claims to be committed to expanding access to education for everyone, but my experience shows otherwise.Despite detailing my financial hardships and struggles with mental health, I was only offered a small discount on the course fee. Given my circumstances, there is no way I can afford this course, even with the discount provided. What I find particularly hypocritical is how Coursera presents itself as a platform committed to “expanding access to education” while simultaneously denying financial aid to those who clearly need it the most. It’s hard to understand how they expect someone in a difficult financial situation to afford even a reduced fee, especially when I’ve explained that I’m financially dependent on elderly parents and living in a country with no social security support.What makes this experience even more frustrating is the tone and structure of their response. They made it clear that their decision is final and that they will not review or reconsider it. The fact that they closed my case without even offering the chance for further discussion or response felt incredibly dismissive and cynical. To add insult to injury, they stated that any future similar requests may be closed without notice, which is an unprofessional and borderline rude way to handle a learner’s genuine request.Coursera’s financial aid process seems like a hollow promise rather than a genuine effort to make education accessible to those who need it. I would caution anyone with serious financial constraints from relying on Coursera’s claims of inclusivity, as their actions suggest otherwise.
