Public interest case June 2016 | Not Justified
Bournemouth University
A student at Bournemouth University complained to us about the fees charged for a period of attendance on a course from which she withdrew part way through. The University charged 25% of the full year’s course fee following the student’s withdrawal after five weeks.
Public interest case June 2016 | Justified
De Montfort University
An international postgraduate student at De Montfort University had her Tier 4 visa refused by the Home Office. She appealed that decision and, in the meantime, was permitted to enrol at the University. She was automatically re-enrolled the following year, while her appeal was still pending.
Public interest case June 2016 | Not Justified
Open University
A student complained to us after the Open University rejected her complaints that its actions had excluded her from accessing specific financial support.
Public interest case June 2016 | Not Justified
Queen Mary University of London
A student complained to us about a decision taken by Queen Mary University of London on his application to the Financial Assistance Fund, which operates under national Access to Learning Fund (ALF) guidance. The University had upheld his appeal, and recalculated the student’s allocation from the fund, but he remained dissatisfied.
Public interest case June 2016 | Not Justified
Open University
A student complained to us after the Open University rejected his appeal against withdrawal of transitional fee support due to lack of academic progress. He contended that he had been misinformed about his eligibility for funding and in particular the requirement to study during each academic year.
Public interest case June 2016 | Partly Justified
Kingston University
A student at Kingston University complained to us about his fee liability during a suspension from his study due to mitigating circumstances.
Public interest case June 2016 | Justified
University of York
A PhD student at the University of York complained to us about the University’s decision to charge him a continuation fee for the writing up period of his PhD.
Public interest case June 2016 | Partly Justified
Sheffield Hallam University
A student at Sheffield Hallam University complained to us that the University rejected his complaint about the impact of a change of status from part time to full time.
Public interest case June 2016 | Not Justified
University of Wolverhampton
A student at the University of Wolverhampton was eligible for a tuition fee loyalty discount for alumni who returned to the University for further study. He complained to us about the University’s decision to withdraw his discount because of late payment of his fees. He contended that the decision was unfair because he had not been made aware of the terms and conditions of the discount or of the deadline for paying fees.
Public interest case June 2016 | Not Justified
Cardiff University
A student at Cardiff University studying for a professional qualification in the School of Healthcare Sciences posted a private message on social media asking another student if she had "a spare" supply of a prescription medication. The student was referred to the Fitness to Practise Co-ordinator and then to the University’s Fitness to Practise procedures. Following an investigation and a hearing the student was withdrawn from the programme.
