asked the Minister for Education if in view of the anomaly where by students require only two honours to qualify for a third level education but four honours to qualify for a third level grant, he will consider reducing the qualification for third level grants of two honours.
Written Answers. - Third Level Grants.
31.
The basis for the general requirement of a minimum of four grade Cs in higher level papers in the leaving certificate examination for purposes of the higher education grants scheme is to give financial assistance to students who reach a high standard in the leaving certificate but who, because of family financial circumstances, might not be in a position to proceed to a university or other approved third level course of education. The higher education grants scheme is, therefore, based firstly on attainment and secondly on the need for financial assistance. There is special provision made in the case of students obtaining a grade C or higher in higher level paper in the subject, Irish and mathematics, and also in certain science subjects.
The academic entrance requirements, for admission to the various third level educational institutions and selection of students to be admitted to certain faculties are matters for the authorities of the institutions concerned and, also the NCEA academic entrance requirements are operated by third level institutions separately and irrespective of whether applicants for admissions qualify for higher education grants.
The VEC scholarship scheme provides for financial assistance to students to attend regional technical colleges and colleges of technology and the academic requirements are a minimum of two grade Cs in higher level papers.