diff --git a/src/study.c b/src/study.c
index e41d9185d..e529c2c31 100644
--- a/src/study.c
+++ b/src/study.c
@@ -658,7 +658,7 @@ int study_cmd(unit * u, order * ord)
         ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs, msg_message("studycost",
             "unit region cost skill", u, u->region, money, sk));
     }
-    if (a != NULL) {
+    if (teach != NULL) {
         if (teach->teachers) {
             msg_teachers(teach->teachers, u, sk);
         }