HAVANA -- Forty Congolese students took over their country's embassy here to demand the 18 months of scholarship money that they say is overdue.

The students are part of a group of 200 Congolese students studying here who have not been receiving their scholarship money.

``We will abandon our position only when we receive a favorable answer to our requests,'' the students said in a written statement directed to the Congolese government.

The group -- mainly men, but including some women -- said that the last check they received from their government was in May 1996.

The students have somehow been surviving on 60 pesos a month -- the equivalent of $3 -- that the Cuban government gives them. The Cubans also give them free college tuition, housing and meals.

The students have an average of 10 years studying here, in such fields as civil and mechanical engineering, architecture and mining.

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