AQW 21710/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 31/01/2025
Answered On Date: 12/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any plans he has to incentivise part-time learning as a means of improving the inclusiveness of higher education and to attract a more diverse range of students, including those who (i) are employed; (ii) are facing financial hardship; and (iii) have caring responsibilities.

Answer:

Currently, eligible part-time students can apply for a means-tested tuition fee grant of up to £1,230 and course grant of up to £265. They can also apply for a non-means-tested fee loan of up to £3,562.50.

My predecessor agreed to proceed with a review of Higher Education Funding and I will be engaging with my officials to consider the support available to higher education students going forward.