08/06/2026
Sinn Féin Welcomes Boost to Student Maintenance Support
Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has welcomed the recent decision by the Economy Minister to increase Higher Education maintenance loans and grants.
Pádraig Delargy said: "Students are facing financial pressures and it is welcome news that the Economy Minister has announced maximum maintenance grants and loans are receiving an inflationary uplift, increasing by 2.7%.
"This follows on from last year's 20% uplift to maximum maintenance loans.
"These grants and loans help students to stay in education during difficult financial times."
The party's economy spokesperson also stated that the upcoming Good Jobs Bill will deliver clear advantages for students who are currently in employment.
"Many students work to support their studies and as such the introduction of the Good Jobs Bill will also benefit them, particularly the measure of ensuring tips, gratuities and service charges are passed on in full.
"Ending zero-hours contracts by offering those who regularly work set patterns the right to move to banded hours contracts is another measure that will benefit student workers.
"These are practical steps to help students with the cost of living, remain in education and progress into good jobs."
Pádraig Delargy said: "Students are facing financial pressures and it is welcome news that the Economy Minister has announced maximum maintenance grants and loans are receiving an inflationary uplift, increasing by 2.7%.
"This follows on from last year's 20% uplift to maximum maintenance loans.
"These grants and loans help students to stay in education during difficult financial times."
"Many students work to support their studies and as such the introduction of the Good Jobs Bill will also benefit them, particularly the measure of ensuring tips, gratuities and service charges are passed on in full.
"Ending zero-hours contracts by offering those who regularly work set patterns the right to move to banded hours contracts is another measure that will benefit student workers.
"These are practical steps to help students with the cost of living, remain in education and progress into good jobs."
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19 October 2022
Student Maintenance Loans To Be Increased By 40%
Student maintenance loans are to be increased by 40% for the academic year 2023/24, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, providing students with an estimated additional £55million to assist with living costs.
Student Maintenance Loans To Be Increased By 40%
Student maintenance loans are to be increased by 40% for the academic year 2023/24, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, providing students with an estimated additional £55million to assist with living costs.
13 October 2010
NI Uni Students Need Help - Not Fees
A report into tuition fees in Northern Ireland has recommended they stay at their present level and has even recommended that more students in NI should receive help through maintenance grants. The finding was contained in a report commissioned by the Stormont Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey, (pictured).
NI Uni Students Need Help - Not Fees
A report into tuition fees in Northern Ireland has recommended they stay at their present level and has even recommended that more students in NI should receive help through maintenance grants. The finding was contained in a report commissioned by the Stormont Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey, (pictured).
19 June 2014
Child Maintenance Payments Increase £3.2m
An extra 731 children have benefited from an increase of £3.2m in child maintenance payments across Northern Ireland throughout 2013/14, it has been announced. The Northern Ireland Child Maintenance Service said 22,123 children benefited from Child maintenance payments totalling £27.2m.
Child Maintenance Payments Increase £3.2m
An extra 731 children have benefited from an increase of £3.2m in child maintenance payments across Northern Ireland throughout 2013/14, it has been announced. The Northern Ireland Child Maintenance Service said 22,123 children benefited from Child maintenance payments totalling £27.2m.
30 June 2017
Plans Announced For New Queen's Student Centre
Plans have been announced for a new Student Centre for Queen's University in Belfast. The proposals also include a new Students' Union facility to be developed on the site of the current Students' Union building. The project is due to commence in 2019 and open in September 2021.
Plans Announced For New Queen's Student Centre
Plans have been announced for a new Student Centre for Queen's University in Belfast. The proposals also include a new Students' Union facility to be developed on the site of the current Students' Union building. The project is due to commence in 2019 and open in September 2021.
18 September 2025
Consultation Launched On Future Of Postgraduate Student Loans
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched a consultation on the future level of Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans for students. The consultation, which invites feedback on four proposed options, includes the Minister's preferred option of increasing the maximum loan amount from the current £6,500 to £10,000.
Consultation Launched On Future Of Postgraduate Student Loans
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched a consultation on the future level of Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans for students. The consultation, which invites feedback on four proposed options, includes the Minister's preferred option of increasing the maximum loan amount from the current £6,500 to £10,000.
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