Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
400. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the lack of grant support for living costs for postgraduate students prevents some persons from undertaking postgraduate studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38427/13]
View answerThe Deputy would be aware that affordability is just one of the factors that impact on students continued participation in higher education. There are a range of wider factors that also impact on participation, including social and cultural issues, prior academic attainment and teacher and parental expectations. In access terms, the requirement to pay a fee is considered to be a greater obstacle to entry than lack of maintenance support at postgraduate level. This is why I opted to maintain the fee-payment ahead of maintenance payments for postgraduate students. Students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270. A postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the cost of their fees. The income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2013/14 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents. In addition the Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.
