Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
620. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the third level fees rebate will be made available for Irish students studying in Belfast; what supports are available to Irish students studying in the North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53257/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Budget 2024 contains a package of measures to support households with the cost of living. These cost of living measures include a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students that are eligible for the free fees initiative (FFI), a scheme which operates within the State.
The student contribution only applies in circumstances where a student is eligible for free fees; it is the student’s contribution towards their tuition fee within the terms of the FFI.
Courses provided in Northern Ireland are not approved courses under the FFI as the student contribution arrangements do not apply outside of the State. Therefore, it is not possible for students undertaking study in Northern Ireland to benefit from this measure.
In terms of supports that may be available for students attending courses in Northern Ireland, the main support available to assist students with the cost of higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. The Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students pursuing 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. Students attending courses in Northern Ireland can determine their eligibility for available supports at susi.ie/eligibility/income/. Supports may also be available from the institution attended.
