Menu
08/02/2024
'Major Concerns' Young People Being Priced Out Of Education
The Alliance Party has raises "major concerns" that young people are being priced out of access to Higher and Further Education, following the release of NUS-USI's Cost of Living Survey.
The party's Economy spokesperson, Sorcha Eastwood, highlighted how the report found that a quarter of students have been unable to pay rent or bills, while 68% have seen an increase in housing costs.
The Lagan Valley MLA said: "It has been clear that throughout the pandemic and cost of living crisis, young people have been significantly impacted.
"The responses to this survey lays bare the stark reality of the student experience for many young people in Higher and Further Education.
"The reality is that the costs of Higher and Further Education, both direct and additional, are a barrier for some young people, which is shameful.
"We need to be focused on widening participation and access to education, to ensure all young people can go on to fulfil their potential.
"I will be asking the new Economy Minister to undertake a review of current financial support payments available to students.
"Alliance would also like to see an updated higher education strategy and a new widening participation strategy."
The party's Economy spokesperson, Sorcha Eastwood, highlighted how the report found that a quarter of students have been unable to pay rent or bills, while 68% have seen an increase in housing costs.
The Lagan Valley MLA said: "It has been clear that throughout the pandemic and cost of living crisis, young people have been significantly impacted.
"The responses to this survey lays bare the stark reality of the student experience for many young people in Higher and Further Education.
"The reality is that the costs of Higher and Further Education, both direct and additional, are a barrier for some young people, which is shameful.
"We need to be focused on widening participation and access to education, to ensure all young people can go on to fulfil their potential.
"I will be asking the new Economy Minister to undertake a review of current financial support payments available to students.
"Alliance would also like to see an updated higher education strategy and a new widening participation strategy."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
Graduate Entry Medical Students To Benefit From Tuition Fee Loans
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that from the 2025/26 academic year, students enrolled in the Graduate Entry Medical School at Ulster University's Derry-Londonderry campus will be eligible for tuition fee loans. Previously, graduate entry medical students were unable to access government loans to cover tuition fees.
Graduate Entry Medical Students To Benefit From Tuition Fee Loans
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that from the 2025/26 academic year, students enrolled in the Graduate Entry Medical School at Ulster University's Derry-Londonderry campus will be eligible for tuition fee loans. Previously, graduate entry medical students were unable to access government loans to cover tuition fees.
25 February 2022
Estimated 20,000 Young People Not In Education Or Work
An estimated 20,000 young people in Northern Ireland who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the last three months to December 2021. The Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA) has published the latest statistics on NEET young people.
Estimated 20,000 Young People Not In Education Or Work
An estimated 20,000 young people in Northern Ireland who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the last three months to December 2021. The Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA) has published the latest statistics on NEET young people.
19 September 2023
SDLP Calls For More To Be Done To Help NI Students
The SDLP has called for increased North-South collaboration after an Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report found Ireland's university admissions systems were disadvantaging students from the North. According to the ESRI report, students from the South made up 2.4% of students in NI while students from NI made up only 0.
SDLP Calls For More To Be Done To Help NI Students
The SDLP has called for increased North-South collaboration after an Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report found Ireland's university admissions systems were disadvantaging students from the North. According to the ESRI report, students from the South made up 2.4% of students in NI while students from NI made up only 0.
27 September 2011
Students Win Prestigious Scholarships
A group of local students were celebrating this week when the NI Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry hosted a reception to congratulate the 75 Northern Ireland winners of the All Ireland Scholarship Scheme.
Students Win Prestigious Scholarships
A group of local students were celebrating this week when the NI Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry hosted a reception to congratulate the 75 Northern Ireland winners of the All Ireland Scholarship Scheme.
26 January 2024
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
