14/09/2012
Scottish Universities' Irish Passport Loophole To Be Closed
The Scottish government has decided to close a loophole that allowed Northern Irish students to study for free as long as they had an Irish passport.
Under new rules coming in next year, it will not be enough to hold an EU passport to dodge the fees of up to £9,000 per academic year.
Instead, students will need to prove they have lived in an EU state for at least three months.
But in fact admissions from Northern Ireland are down by 195 this year, despite claims that hundred of students from here would rush to take up the chance of free university education.
The move follows some heated scenes in the Scottish Government.
In May this year, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives accused the Scottish National Party-led government of following the policy that "nobody's noticed yet so it will all be alright" when it came to the loophole.
Ruth Davidson said that under the then-current interpretation of European law, any UK citizen with a grandparent from any EU nation could have their fees "met by Scottish taxpayers".
Changing the rules today, the SNP's Education Secretary Michael Russell said that the new guidance for universities would "ensure a consistent approach across Scotland and provide clarity for students".
Professor Pete Downes of Universities Scotland said that a predicted influx of NI students with Irish passports had not materialised. He said: "Despite much speculation, Scotland's universities have not seen a large influx of applicants from Northern Ireland looking to exploit the loophole."
(NE)
Under new rules coming in next year, it will not be enough to hold an EU passport to dodge the fees of up to £9,000 per academic year.
Instead, students will need to prove they have lived in an EU state for at least three months.
But in fact admissions from Northern Ireland are down by 195 this year, despite claims that hundred of students from here would rush to take up the chance of free university education.
The move follows some heated scenes in the Scottish Government.
In May this year, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives accused the Scottish National Party-led government of following the policy that "nobody's noticed yet so it will all be alright" when it came to the loophole.
Ruth Davidson said that under the then-current interpretation of European law, any UK citizen with a grandparent from any EU nation could have their fees "met by Scottish taxpayers".
Changing the rules today, the SNP's Education Secretary Michael Russell said that the new guidance for universities would "ensure a consistent approach across Scotland and provide clarity for students".
Professor Pete Downes of Universities Scotland said that a predicted influx of NI students with Irish passports had not materialised. He said: "Despite much speculation, Scotland's universities have not seen a large influx of applicants from Northern Ireland looking to exploit the loophole."
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2012
Fifth Of NI Students Getting Irish Passports
One in five Northern Irish students are applying for Irish passports to study in Dundee for free, a local newspaper there reported. The Courier said that 20% of NI students intending to go to the city, which has a high Northern Irish student population, are exploiting what a reporter called a "bizarre loophole".
Fifth Of NI Students Getting Irish Passports
One in five Northern Irish students are applying for Irish passports to study in Dundee for free, a local newspaper there reported. The Courier said that 20% of NI students intending to go to the city, which has a high Northern Irish student population, are exploiting what a reporter called a "bizarre loophole".
16 August 2001
Northern Ireland pupils are in a class of their own
Northern Ireland students have outperformed their peers in England and Wales in both A-level and the new AS level exams. Figures released by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on Thursday August 16 show a record 48,000 grades have been issued to Northern Ireland students across all exam boards.
Northern Ireland pupils are in a class of their own
Northern Ireland students have outperformed their peers in England and Wales in both A-level and the new AS level exams. Figures released by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on Thursday August 16 show a record 48,000 grades have been issued to Northern Ireland students across all exam boards.
27 November 2003
Scottish airline acquires 5 Scottish and 2 NI routes from BA
Glasgow-based airline Loganair has bought seven Scottish routes from British Airways which include two Belfast bound flights. The agreement means that Loganair will now operate all of the internal Scottish routes currently served by BA CitiExpress.
Scottish airline acquires 5 Scottish and 2 NI routes from BA
Glasgow-based airline Loganair has bought seven Scottish routes from British Airways which include two Belfast bound flights. The agreement means that Loganair will now operate all of the internal Scottish routes currently served by BA CitiExpress.
19 March 2025
City Centre Hotel And 3G Pitch Plans Approved By Council
The former Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast city centre is set to be redeveloped as a new 102-bedroom hotel, after being granted approval by Belfast City Council's Planning Committee.
City Centre Hotel And 3G Pitch Plans Approved By Council
The former Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast city centre is set to be redeveloped as a new 102-bedroom hotel, after being granted approval by Belfast City Council's Planning Committee.
02 July 2013
L'Derry To Host All Ireland Pipe Championships
More than 2,000 musicians in over 70 Pipe Bands are expected to converge in L'Derry this summer to contest the 68th All Ireland Pipe Band Championship, at St Columb's Park. The event is coming to L'Derry as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.
L'Derry To Host All Ireland Pipe Championships
More than 2,000 musicians in over 70 Pipe Bands are expected to converge in L'Derry this summer to contest the 68th All Ireland Pipe Band Championship, at St Columb's Park. The event is coming to L'Derry as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
