Dundee University has apologised after dozens of nursing students had their bursary payments unexpectedly stopped.
More than 80 students enrolled in the School of Health Sciences were not paid their bursary – due on Hogmanay – because of a “technical error”.
It is understood they were notified via letter that the university had failed to confirm their attendance on their course to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), and as a result their payments were being stopped.
The letters had been posted to students on December 21, however due to the postal strike they were not receive until after both the University and SAAS were closed for the Christmas break.
The students, all in second and third year, had been receiving regular bursary payments up until this point.
The value of payments varied depending on the student.
Kirkcaldy campus students impacted
Among those impacted by the error were nursing students studying at the Kirkcaldy campus of Dundee University.
Fife councillor Mary Lockhart was among those made aware of the issue and raised concerns about the impact it could have.
She said: “I’ve heard of students talking about going to foodbanks or trying and get loans from friends and family.
“If SAAS knew a large number of students had disappeared from the courses, you would think it would flag something.
“It is extraordinary and does not bode well for wherever the admin error came from.”
‘We are sorry for all those affected’
Dundee University says students with “urgent needs” will be supported but has not confirmed when the payments will be made.
A spokesperson said: “There has been a technical issue which has impacted 81 pre-registration MSc students in health sciences.
“The university has an emergency meeting with SAAS this morning to resolve the issue.
“In the meantime, students and families with urgent needs will be supported directly by the university.
“We are sorry for all those who have been affected by this issue.
“We know it will have raised significant concerns for those who were expecting payments, and especially at what can be a difficult time of year.”
‘The necessary information now been received’
A spokesperson for SAAS said: “We are working with the University of Dundee to rectify the situation which occurred following an issue with attendance data being submitted to SAAS.
“The necessary information has now been received and we will seek to ensure these payments are made urgently.
“In the meantime, any student facing financial hardship should contact their institution for support.”
