Graduation warning to Sussex university students over unpaid debts
More than a thousand are said to be affected
More than 1,000 University of Sussex students have been warned they face being unable to graduate if they do not pay outstanding debts by Friday (May 31st).
The majority of those affected are understood to be from Nigeria and Iran, where collapses in those nations' respective currencies have left those studying unable to continue their repayments.
The university's student union has accused bosses of failing to offer adequate assurances to those facing expulsion or other sanctions over the late payments of tuition costs and rents.
In a letter published on Tuesday (May 28th), they claimed that the university had already withdrawn access to library and IT services from hundreds of students prior to sending letters to those affected on April 15th.
In it, pro-vice chancellor at the University, Dr Kate Riordan, said:
"Students expecting to graduate in July 2024 or January 2025 will need to settle tuition fee debt before graduating. Students who are expecting to return in the next academic year will not be able to re-register with outstanding tuition fee debt.
"Student debt is an issue that all universities face, and the university is being as flexible as possible, offering wellbeing and other support to students, and signposting the available financial support.
"Any students who are still in debt will receive another email next week with more information about the next steps.”
One unnamed Nigerian student at Sussex, who has outstanding debts, said:
"We have no intention of not paying, we’re willing to meet our obligations, but we’re pleading for the university to grant us some time.
"Since the exchange rate tripled, my monthly income of £800 is barely enough to cover the £182 weekly accommodation, leaving me struggling to survive as a student in Brighton."
Riko Kunisue, International Students’ Officer at Sussex Students’ Union, said:
"It is increasingly difficult to access higher education for many young people. International students and those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds are at the sharp end of this marketisation of education.
"Many international students, for example, are hit by economic crises in home countries and extreme devaluation of their currencies, impacting payment of already-extortionate tuition fees and rent.
"During our discussions with the University, they have given an inadequate response with regard to supporting these international students.
"The University must take steps to reduce financial pressures for all students (especially international students), when it aims to “reduce inequality and celebrate diversity” as an institution.
"Not to mention students are under a tremendous amount of fear and stress at this moment, with many juggling assessments, multiple jobs, and care responsibilities, the University must immediately extend the payment deadline."
A group of students are due to hand-deliver a letter to the University’s leadership at Sussex House in Falmer this morning (May 29th).