Summary
22,000 students received maintenance loans and grants that they now have to repay because their courses were never eligible for this aid. The affected students attend weekend courses at certain universities. The issue occurred due to incorrect information provided about course eligibility for loans.
Key Facts
- 22,000 students need to repay maintenance loans and grants due to ineligibility.
- The courses in question include weekend classes and sometimes online learning.
- Students received letters from the Student Loans Company or their universities about the repayment.
- 15 universities and colleges, including London Met and Bath Spa, are involved.
- The Department for Education blamed "incompetence or abuse of the system."
- Students are worried about finding the money for repayment.
- Some students received a reprieve for certain courses, like a BSc in acupuncture.
- Maintenance loans cover living costs and are paid to students in instalments.
