The UK unis where students are targeted by IVF clinics offering thousands for their eggs

University students from some of the UK’s top universities are being targeted by overseas IVF clinics offering thousands of pounds for their eggs.

Young women, including students in Edinburgh, Cambridge and Oxford, are reportedly receiving offers from companies that want to recruit egg donors for overseas clients.

Some students have also received offers to become surrogates.

The companies can offer between £3,000 and £9,000 for egg donation in countries including Greece, Spain, the Czech Republic and North Cyprus.

In the US, some donors can receive much higher payments.

Financial pressure often makes offers attractive

University students are facing increasing financial pressure from living costs and other expenses. For some, the money offered by overseas clinics can seem difficult to ignore.

Jemimah, 21, studies at the University of Edinburgh. She was approached by two overseas donation companies last year. They offered her between £3,000 and £9,000 for her eggs.

She said the companies told her that students from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League institutions were particularly sought after.

Another student, Ellie, 21, studies literature at Cambridge. She has donated her eggs three times and received around £10,000.

Ellie said the money allowed her to leave two jobs, pay off credit card debt and enjoy a more typical university social life.

Research into the risks of egg donation remains limited

Egg donation for financial compensation is illegal in the UK. However, overseas companies can offer packages that include medical treatment, travel, accommodation and payment.

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It was also reported that research into the risks of egg donation remains limited.

Some studies raised concerns about possible links between fertility drugs and certain health conditions.

Family law specialist Cara Nuttall warned young women to consider the long-term effects before donating their eggs.

She also highlighted the possibility of donor-conceived children contacting donors later in life through DNA testing.

Some students have also been approached for surrogacy

Some university students who donate their eggs are later approached about becoming surrogates.

Ellie said a company offered her up to £90,000 for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

However, the arrangement could involve moving abroad and following strict requirements from the intended parents.

Sally, a former Oxford student, also received a six-figure surrogacy offer after donating eggs in the US.

She travelled to meet the intended parents but changed her mind after asking a lawyer to examine the contract.

The growing industry has raised concerns about whether financial pressure could encourage university students to take significant medical and personal risks for money.

While some students say they have chosen egg donation willingly, experts warn that young women should fully understand the potential consequences before agreeing to overseas treatment or surrogacy.

Featured image via Canva