A Libyan student who came to Halifax more than a year ago is struggling in financial limbo after his scholarship was frozen.

Abdurahman Elajmi is one of approximately 800 Libyan students whose payments from the Libyan-North American Scholarship Program were stalled back in October.

"It's very difficult for me to understand," he said. "I am here as a student, but I am not in university. I should be there."

Delay stopped enrolment

Elajmi planned to study medical laboratory technology at Dalhousie University following English language training. However, he said the money stopped before he enrolled in the program.

The university wouldn't take him without proof the funding would come through, he said.

"They said, 'Unfortunately, no,' because I don't have support money," Elajmi said. "If you don't have money, no school."

Volatile situation

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has been managing the scholarship money on behalf of the Libyan government.

After a five-month hiatus, funds were released in late March for almost 700 students, including 54 in Halifax, the organization said. The three-year scholarship covers tuition and living expenses of up to $3,800 per month.

Basel Alashi, international partnerships vice president, says the volatile situation in Libya has made it challenging to keep updated on the money delays.

As many as 100 other students still wait for funding due last fall. (Canadian Bureau for International Education/CBC News Graphics)

At least 70 students in limbo

Alashi confirmed between 70 and 100 students across Canada are still not on the payment list provided by the Libyan ministry.

He said in some cases, the organization is waiting for national identification numbers from students.

"They have to provide us with that number, so there are additional criteria, one of which is the national ID," Alashi said.

Payments also could be delayed if a student has requested an extension, he said.

'Good dream that's just gone'

Elajmi said neither of those explanations apply to him, which he said leaves him even more confused.

"I don't like to leave Canada until I get my masters," he said.

"If not, it was a good dream that's just gone."