Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 December 2020
120. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an application for support by a student (details supplied) to complete a course will be reviewed; the reason the full-time course is not recognised for support under the student grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40744/20]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), provides grant assistance to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
An approved course for grant support must lead to a major award between Level 5 and Level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications, as per Regulation 4(a)(iv), (b) and (d) of the Student Support Regulations 2020 and Section 8 of the Student Support Act 2011. Under section 8(1)(c) of the Act — students must be attending full-time courses, known as post-leaving certificate courses and on the successful completion of which, a student is awarded a major education and training award which is a recognised qualification that is not at a lower level than Level 5 in the framework of qualifications,
Courses leading to a special purpose/minor award rather than a major award are not approved for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme.
With regard to this specific application, I been advised by my officials that the student that you refer to is attending a course who on completion will be awarded a minor award therefore, is not eligible for grant funding.
