Absence from or inability to complete course
16.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (6), if the Welsh Ministers receive notice under regulation 14(10) or paragraph 2(a) to (c) of Schedule 2 of an eligible student’s (“A’s”)—
(a)absence from A’s designated course; or
(b)inability to complete A’s designated course within the ordinary period of registration for that course,
the Welsh Ministers may not make any further payment of the postgraduate doctoral degree loan.
(2) Further payment may be made despite such notification if, in the opinion of the Welsh Ministers, payment would be appropriate in all the circumstances.
(3) Paragraph (4) applies where—
(a)the Welsh Ministers have received notice in relation to an eligible student (“A”) which falls within paragraph (1)(a); and
(b)A recommences A’s course.
(4) A must—
(a)notify the Welsh Ministers that A has recommenced A’s course; and
(b)provide the Welsh Ministers with details of the length and cause of A’s preceding absence from that course.
(5) The relevant academic authority must notify the Welsh Ministers if, further to a notice given to the Welsh Ministers under regulation 14(10) in connection with regulation 14(11)(c), it no longer considers that the student is unable to complete the designated course within the ordinary period of registration for that course.
(6) Where the Welsh Ministers receive notification under paragraphs (4) or (5), they must recommence payment of the postgraduate doctoral degree loan in accordance with regulation 14 if, in the opinion of the Welsh Ministers, they consider it would be appropriate in all the circumstances.