Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 April 2016
740. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills why students attending private third level education institutions via the Central Application Office system and participating on an approved Quality and Qualifications Ireland degree are ineligible to apply for student maintenance grants via Student Universal Support Ireland. [7196/16]
View answerUnder my Department's student grant scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the scheme.
The definition of an approved institution is set out in Section 7 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 3 of the Student Support Regulations 2016.
Private colleges operated on a for-profit basis are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes. However, tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending courses in private colleges. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie.
