Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
305. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the eligibility for a fee grant from Student Universal Support Ireland does not extend to undergraduate courses outside the State or within another jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1360/13]
View answerThe Student Support Act 2011 provides that the payment of tuition fees be limited to approved courses of higher education at an approved institution in the State, other than for exceptional provision in respect of postgraduate course in Northern Ireland. In addition given the level of demand on the student grant budget it is not possible to include fee grants for students studying outside of the State. However, students studying in an EU Member State may be eligible for a maintenance grant provided they meet the terms and condition of the student grant scheme.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie.
