Apply For All Ireland Scholarships Say MLAs

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry and Education Minister John O’Dowd have launched the All Ireland Scholarships for 2013.

The annual scholarships, funded by businessman JP McManus is now in its fifth year and provides financial assistance to top-performing students from low income households who intend to take up a full-time undergraduate course in the coming autumn. The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum for the duration of the course.

Speaking at the launch Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry said: "These scholarships recognise individual academic achievement and will enable 25 students from post primary schools and Further Education Colleges to access the opportunities that higher education can provide in their chosen career.

"In Northern Ireland we have the highest participation rates in the UK. However my Department is committed to widening participation rates in higher education from those groups who are currently under-represented, in particular students from challenging economic backgrounds. It is my Department’s vision that people who are most able but least likely to participate should be given every encouragement and support to achieve the necessary qualifications to apply to, and benefit from, the higher education that is right for them."

Education Minister John O’Dowd said: "The skills and qualifications acquired through higher education can broaden horizons and prospects, benefiting not only the individual but also the wider community.

"Many young people would like to continue on to higher education but for those from low income families the financial constraints can be a barrier. The value of these scholarships is therefore worth much more than the monetary cost; they offer the opportunity of third level education to young people who may previously not have had that option.

"I have therefore written to all Principals asking them to highlight these awards and to bring them to their students’ attention and I would encourage all eligible students to apply."

(GK)