Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Questions (875)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

875. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Trinity College, Dublin is extending four-year degree courses to five years, describing the last year as a postgraduate year even though said year is necessary for accreditation with professional bodies; if the Student Universal Support Ireland grant will take this change into consideration and allow students currently studying these courses to continue to receive a grant for their fifth year of study; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41368/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Under my Department's student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution. An approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution. In regard to the degree courses referred to by the Deputy, in Trinity College Dublin, students can be considered for funding in the normal manner under the Student Grant Scheme. The qualifying conditions for undergraduate students will apply for the first four years of the degree courses with students eligible for consideration for maintenance grants and fee elements, as applicable. For the fifth and final year, the postgraduate element of the five year programme, those who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270. Otherwise a postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the costs of their fees if he/she meets the income criteria.