A Melbourne university student has been saved from expulsion and possible deportation after raising $20,000 from crowdfunding by kindhearted strangers.

Struggling international economics student Sanduni Sulochana became buried in debt after her family in Sri Lanka found themselves unable to support her.

Unable to cover $4,500 in overdue fees and an $8,000 upcoming payment, close friend Thavisha Rambukwella started a campaign on GoFundMe.

In less than two weeks over $19,000 was raised by almost 150 people, more than covering her outstanding debt and catering for the rest of her semester's expenses.

But the crowdfunding campaign has prompted some social media users to question whether the financial support was warranted or deserved in the first place.

Sanduni Sulochana became buried in debt at her Melbourne university, but her struggles were solved after a crowdfunding campaign raised almost $20,000 to help pay overdue fees

A glimpse at Ms Sulochana's Instagram account reveals regular night out on the town dining at fancy restaurants, such as Oriental Spoon (above) where a main can cost upwards of $50

'Look, while I don't want to see her kicked out in her final semester, I don't like the precedent that these stories set,' wrote one man.

'Let's not give to homeless people, or charities, or cancer research. Let's give to a uni student so she can go off and get a high paying job. It encourages people to not have to work harder, but just to aim for a handout.'

While some argued it was a case of undeserved charity, others still suggested it was a 'disgrace' that Australian universities were taking in students unable to provide proof they could financially support themselves for the duration of their degree.

A glance at Ms Sulochana's Instagram account reveals she still manages to eat out at restaurants for dinner, regularly uploading photos from nights out on the town.

The cash-strapped student appears to be a regular customer at Oriental Spoon, a Korean BBQ restaurant where a main meal can set you back $50.

Divided opinion: While some social media users said it was great to see the public get behind a struggling student, others argued it only encouraged young people to look for a handout

The GoFundMe campaign raised over $19,000 with 145 donations in less than two weeks

On the GoFundMe campaign description, Ms Rambukwella said Ms Sulochana was unable to pay off her university debt because of her rent.

'She is working at the moment but everything she earns goes towards paying her rent. She can't come up with it on her own and her parents are at a place where they are unable to settle this amount,' she wrote.

But Ms Rambukwella stands by the decision to start the campaign.

'It was hard for me to see her in this situation and listen to her be so negative about most things about her life,' she said.

'She had asked a few people for help but no one responded and her deadline was so soon that I decided to do something about it.'

'Sanduni is over the moon and in shock at how many people got behind her. It restored her faith in people and she is so happy right now, which is so nice to see.'