AQW 21713/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 31/01/2025
Answered On Date: 05/02/2025
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to his announcement on the increase to maximum student maintenance loan entitlement for full-time students, whether he will introduce similar maintenance support for part-time students.

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. Students can also apply for a non-means-tested fee loan of up to £3,532.50.

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, including those studying part time, going forward.