Would you be able to "cap" the amount which you are liable for, or would it be open-ended until she finishes studying?

I have helped numerous family members over the years - some have repaid as promised and others have not. However I work on the principle that I don't lend money unless I can afford not to get it back, just in case the other party lets me down.

It IS a lot to ask, but I suppose it depends how close you are to your neice and also your own financial situation.

(I am the "baddie"with some of our family in South Africa, as one of my husband''s cousins got involved in some seriously bad stuff, and the family wanted us to put up $15 000 for a lawer to try get him off - we refused, and now some of the family are not talking to us. I guess what I am trying to say is that you need to bear in mind that money is an easy way of losing friends / family).