AQW 46923/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/05/2026
Answered On Date: 28/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy, following Ulster University’s announcement of proposed staffing reductions, to detail (i) whether she has reviewed the current higher education funding model, including whether any changes are under consideration as a result; and (ii) any engagement that has taken place with universities in Northern Ireland on this issue.

Answer:

I, along with my officials, continue to engage with all Higher Education Institutions regarding the Department’s extremely challenging financial position. I will continue to seek additional resources to invest in Higher Education and I trust I will have the support of all Ministers in that regard.

A wider Review of Higher Education Funding is anticipated to take 18 months to complete. This timescale is subject to a number of factors.