AQW 13686/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 21/06/2024
Answered On Date: 01/07/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) for his assessment of the maintenance loan provided to students who are unable to study their chosen course in Northern Ireland and therefore study in GB where (a) fees are higher; and (b) their peers in GB receive loans closer to the cost of studying; and (ii) what consideration he has given to increasing the student loan amount for students who are unable to study their chosen university course in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

Prior to my taking office, the higher education student support package for this year and the coming academic year 2024/25 had already been determined.

Currently eligible students from here studying in Britain may be eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,250, a maintenance grant of up to £3,475 and a maintenance loan of up to £6,776, or up to £9,492 if studying in London.

Since I came into post, I have been clear about my wish to strengthen the support provided to students and I will be considering a number of options going forward.