Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:242. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the relief in place for a medical student in relation to fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43212/18]
View answerTuesday, 23 October 2018
Questions (242)
Written answers
It is estimated that the average cost per annum to the State of a medical student is c. €11,000. This takes into account State grant and tuition fee funding paid by the State (where appropriate). It excludes the Student Contribution of €3,000 which is paid by the student, or paid by the exchequer on behalf of the student in cases where the student qualifies for assistance under my Department’s Student Grant Scheme.
In the case of students who qualify for entry to the Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme and who are liable for the cost of their tuition fees as they already hold an undergraduate qualification, the State pays a grant per student of €9,500 with the balance payable by the student.
Students pursuing GEM programmes do so as second degree courses and consequently are not eligible for free fees funding or for student grants. However, in order to widen access to GEM programmes, and give assistance towards the financial burden on each student pursuing these programmes, the fees of participating EU students are partly subsidised by the State via the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Currently, the subsidy is €9,500 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student.
There is no Department supported loan scheme in place for GEM students. However as you may be aware there are various loans available for GEM students but these are private arrangements between the relevant lenders and the students. My Department has no role in such arrangements.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. Also, 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.