Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018
187. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of funding available to part-time third level students in academic years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6870/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support to students attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Student Grant Scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding, provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution and meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those which relate to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment (progression) and means.
Under the scheme, students must be attending approved full-time courses. Part-time courses are not eligible for support.
No specific funding was made available to part-time third level students in the academic years to which the Deputy refers. However, the Deputy will be aware of the recent announcement regarding the new 1916 Bursary Fund. This Fund will support 600 students over the course of the next three years. These Bursaries differ from existing bursaries in a number of respects, in that they are targeted at non-traditional entry and can support undergraduate study on either a full-time or part-time basis. This new fund is on top of the additional €1m which was allocated to the Student Assistance Fund in 2017, for the support of part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups.
