asked the Minister for Education if students who wish to study in an English third-level college can obtain grants on the same basis as they can obtain them for attendance at the Ulster University in Coleraine; and if not, the reason.
Written Answers. - Education Grants.
274.
The higher education grants scheme and the vocational education scholarships scheme provide that grants and scholarships shall be tenable in respect of degree and other approved courses of higher education in Ireland. The purpose of this requirement in the schemes of financial assistance operated under the aegis of my Department is to give financial assistance to students ordinarily resident in Ireland who reach a minimum standard in the Leaving Certificate Examination of the Department of Education but, who, because of family circumstances, might not be in a position to proceed to a University or other approved third-level course in Ireland.
Having regard to the limited funds available for student aid, it is not proposed to extend the schemes to enable them to apply to students who register to study in courses of third-level education outside Ireland.