The MUMN nurses' union has expressed disappointment at the way nursing students are being treated by the University of Malta.
It said that first and second year nursing students who are on clinical placements have received an email stating that any placement hours carried out in June will not be taken into account regarding payment. No official reason was given.
"This issue is unsettling for these students as a substantial amount of placement hours had already been carried out in June, as part of the normal completion of studies," the union said.
The students that are affected include both nursing students that are studying to obtain their Higher Diploma in Nursing Studies and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing.
The union said that the situation, if it is allowed to continue, will act as a heavy disincentive to students considering nursing courses. It appealed to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to pay the students.