Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
164. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if financial assistance is available for a student (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10129/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt postgraduate level, eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution may receive supports via the statutory based Student Grant Scheme. To qualify for grant support, a grant applicant must meet various criteria including those relating to means, residency, nationality and progression. The decision on eligibility for grant assistance is a matter for the student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
In relation to fees, postgraduate students pursuing an approved course in Northern Ireland who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are eligible to have their tuition fees paid up to a maximum fee limit of €6,270; the income threshold for this grant under the Student Grant Scheme 2020 is €24,500.
Alternatively a postgraduate student attending an approved course in Northern Ireland may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the cost of his/her fees. The income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2020/21 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents.
However, a student or tuition student in receipt of, or eligible for, full assistance towards the tuition fee element from any other source including sponsorship or an award is not eligible for a fee grant under the Student Grant Scheme.
In relation to maintenance grant assistance, the source of funding towards tuition fees is unclear from the information provided. This has a bearing on whether the student may be eligible for maintenance grant assistance under the terms and conditions of the Student Grant Scheme.
In his regard, the student may wish to discuss her particular circumstances and make further enquiries in relation to eligibility for student grant assistance with SUSI’s Helpdesk, who may be contacted by telephone at 0761 087 874 or email support@susi.ie.
In addition, I understand guidance in relation to funding as well as support for students with financial issues is provided by Ulster University via their Student Money Team. Further information in relation to this service is available from: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/wellbeing/student-money-advice
