Right, first on all, about the downloads:
You really need to change the format that the missions txt’s download it. They come in notepad for me, but the way they are written in the notepad means they can’t be loaded and cause the game to crash. Re-writing (or re-formatting) the notepads have always worked for me each and every time.
And another thing: The EU does give university grants. I should know, I’m getting some.