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Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Ceisteanna (255)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

255. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if financial assistance will be provided towards third level education for a person (details supplied) who is applying for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3226/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI, grant assistance is awarded 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/progression and means. An individual who does not meet the nationality criterion in the Student Grant Scheme will not qualify for support.

Separately, my Department operates a parallel grant scheme for persons in the protection process or at the leave to remain (but not deportation order) stage. The scheme provides supports to qualifying students which are similar to those available in the statutory based Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI.

Last year, following a review of the Pilot Support Scheme 2018, I announced my decision to continue the scheme for the 2019/20 academic year and to undertake a further review in 2020. 

To qualify for the pilot scheme, prospective students have to meet a number of criteria, including a requirement to:

- Meet the definition of a protection applicant or a person at leave to remain stage (other than those at the deportation order stage);

- Obtained their Leaving Certificate;

- Have been accepted on an approved Post Leaving Certificate course or an approved undergraduate course; and

- Have attended a minimum of three academic years in the Irish school system and have been part of an application for protection or leave to remain for a combined period of 3 years prior to 31 August of the first year of their course.

Details of the 2019/20 Pilot Support Scheme can be accessed on my Department's website at:  https://www.education.ie/en/Learners/Services/Pilot-Support-Scheme/Pilot-Support-Scheme.html

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