Hundreds of students at a university were threatened with suspension and locked out of their online accounts over a dispute about international tuition fees.

Students at the University of Sussex were sent a “reminder letter” about outstanding debt as well as having their access to online services suspended.

A petition set up by students has claimed the university’s treatment of those affected was “unacceptably hostile” and that some students were threatened with removal from the country.

The university confirmed that it will “take appropriate action where necessary”.

In a letter to the university, students said: “The ‘reminder letters’ sent to just under 900 students were disrespectful, unkind and hostile for students who were already struggling with money.

“Students were suddenly unable to access services that are supposedly central to student life for more than two weeks, regardless of whether the student attempted to speak to the Finance Department.

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“For students with visas the message threatened to remove them from the UK, with the University reporting this to the Home Office.”

The Argus understands that the issue affected just over 850 international and British students.

The Argus: The University of SussexThe University of Sussex

Another student who faced similar issues to those who received the letters said they had been locked out of their account for six weeks, meaning they faced delays in submitting assignments.

The student said that they were asked to pay over £23,000 in international student tuition fees despite having been born and grown up in London and being registered as a domestic student.

The 20-year-old first-year student said: "I had no access to any emails or anything. I'm not very happy - it's ruined my first year.

"It's affected people around me and it has caused me loads of stress.

"I had three or four assignments to do. I could have started them weeks ago if not for this.

"I'm considering not staying in Sussex because of this."

A spokeswoman for the University of Sussex said she “understands the difficulty” faced by the student and would be reaching out to them for support.

The university said that all students had had their access to online services re-instated.

A spokeswoman for the University of Sussex said: "We take the wellbeing of our students extremely seriously and understand that some of our students are currently facing challenging circumstances.

“As with every year, outstanding student debt is an issue that all universities face. The University is being as flexible as possible, as well as offering wellbeing and other support to students, and throughout has signposted the available financial support in our communications to students.

“However, in line with our procedures, we will take appropriate action where necessary.

“We encourage any student affected to contact University advice and support via MySussex, or contact the Student Centre which can provide information, advice and access to a wide range of support services for students.”