AQW 28213/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 05/06/2025
Answered On Date: 23/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline what consideration has been given to providing additional childcare to (i) home; and (ii) and international students, enrolled in (a) part-time; (b) postgraduate; and (c) PhD courses, in our higher education institutions.

Answer:

My Department provides a means-tested childcare grant to help towards the costs of childcare for eligible full-time undergraduate home students. The grant is not available to international, part-time, postgraduate or PhD students.I recognise the rising cost of childcare and the impact this has on parents and families who are already struggling with the cost of living. Officials are currently finalising the draft terms of reference for the review of Higher Education Funding and will brief me in the coming weeks. The review is likely to involve three specific strands of work including a review of the package of support that is available for students. Financial support for approved childcare may also be available, depending on household circumstances. Further information can be found on nidirect.