STUDENT leaders fear a "huge shortfall" of more than £11 million in financial support could see colleges close their doors to some learners or slash vital bursary payments.
The National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland voiced its concern after the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) announced it was making an additional £3.5 million available to colleges for student support in the current academic year
But colleges had requested a total of £14.7 million to top up bursary and childcare funds, leaving a shortfall of £11.2 million - up by 128% from £4.2 million last year
Robert Foster, NUS Scotland vice-president for education, said: "These figures are extremely worrying for college students across Scotland.
"There's a huge shortfall in vital financial support for college students, to the tune of £11.2 million, and we're really concerned that this could see colleges closing their doors to new students or individual students getting less financial support, or even none at all."
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