Vol. 487 No. 8
112 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the severe financial difficulties faced by Irish students who undertake post-graduate studies in United Kingdom colleges, in view of the fact these students have no access or entitlements to any form of grant aid from either the United Kingdom or Irish authorities. [5309/98]
Students pursuing post-graduate courses at approved colleges in Northern Ireland can apply for grants in respect of their fees and maintenance under the higher education grants scheme. The student support schemes were extended, with effect from 1996-7 academic year, to provide maintenance grants to students following full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration in another EU member state. The course must be followed in a university or third level insitution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. Certain courses are excluded, such as courses in subject areas which are subject to quotas on places and courses in private commercial colleges. However, due to limited resources there is no provision under the current student support schemes for funding for postgraduate studies outside of Ireland.
