AQW 49724/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 26/06/2026
Answered On Date: 30/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will commission an independent review of higher education funding and governance in Northern Ireland, including consideration of the relationship between (i) universities; (ii) further education colleges; (iii) apprenticeships; and (iv) wider skills provision.

Answer:

The first stage of a Higher Education Funding Review, an independent Financial Needs Assessment of the local Higher Education Institutions, has been completed. A summary of the report was published on the Departmental website on 18 March 2026.

My officials continue to engage with stakeholders regarding the wider review which is anticipated to take 18 months to complete. This timescale is subject to a number of factors.