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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the £1810 grant paid by the Department of Employment and Learning for every student in the Republic of Ireland will be withdrawn.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the £1810 grant paid by the Department of Employment and Learning for every student in the Republic of Ireland will be withdrawn.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)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
