13/06/2012
Stormont Cuts Grants To Students In Republic
Stormont has cut its financial support for Northern Irish students at universities in the Republic.
As of September 2013, the £1810 grant paid by the Department of Employment and Learning for every student in the Republic of Ireland will be withdrawn.
They will be replaced by student loans of the same amount to cover fees, bringing the system more in line with that used for NI students in England, Wales or Scotland.
But depending on the results of their means test, students may be able to get more money in living costs grants.
The top ceiling of the non-repayable living costs bursary will increase from £2,000 to £3,475.
And more students will be eligible for maintenance grants as the upper household income level has nearly-doubled to £41,064.
Stephen Farry, Employment and Learning Minister, said the changes would provide "a more level playing field" for students from here choosing between the Republic of Ireland and various parts of the UK.
He said the current system, where Northern Irish students could effectively study an undergraduate level in the Republic for free, was "inconsistent" with costs in the rest of the UK where fees can now cost up to £9,000 a year.
In a statement, a Department spokesman said Dr Farry was committed to higher education and cross-border collaboration.
Fees at Republic of Ireland universities were abolished in 1996 but the required annual student contribution fee of £1810 has been paid by the Department of Employment and Learning for years.
(NE)
As of September 2013, the £1810 grant paid by the Department of Employment and Learning for every student in the Republic of Ireland will be withdrawn.
They will be replaced by student loans of the same amount to cover fees, bringing the system more in line with that used for NI students in England, Wales or Scotland.
But depending on the results of their means test, students may be able to get more money in living costs grants.
The top ceiling of the non-repayable living costs bursary will increase from £2,000 to £3,475.
And more students will be eligible for maintenance grants as the upper household income level has nearly-doubled to £41,064.
Stephen Farry, Employment and Learning Minister, said the changes would provide "a more level playing field" for students from here choosing between the Republic of Ireland and various parts of the UK.
He said the current system, where Northern Irish students could effectively study an undergraduate level in the Republic for free, was "inconsistent" with costs in the rest of the UK where fees can now cost up to £9,000 a year.
In a statement, a Department spokesman said Dr Farry was committed to higher education and cross-border collaboration.
Fees at Republic of Ireland universities were abolished in 1996 but the required annual student contribution fee of £1810 has been paid by the Department of Employment and Learning for years.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 February 2024
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
26 March 2024
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
29 January 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
06 February 2024
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.