Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
295. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way that the reduction in student fees announced in Budget 2023 will be applied to students from this State who are currently studying in the North of Ireland. [52541/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 State financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
Courses provided in Northern Ireland are not approved courses under the Free Fees schemes and therefore the once off student contribution support of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking study 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 https://susi.ie/eligibility/income/.
