Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider a scheme whereby spare capacity, unfilled places in third level courses in EU third level institutions could be advertised within the EU to allow students who may be facing entry difficulties for similar courses in their home countries to receive the desired qualification, in a manner that would be keeping with the entry requirements in the individual member State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48663/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A scheme to advertise spare capacity in more than 4000 higher education institutions across the European Union would be a significant logistical undertaking and would have to be managed at a central European level. As far as I am aware, no such scheme has ever been proposed by the European Commission for the consideration of member states. However the European Commission provide a very comprehensive website called Study in Europe which provides up to date information on higher education institutions in 32 European countries, details of courses and programmes which are available and the criteria for entry to them. The website should be of use to any student considering studying abroad and is at the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/education/study-in-europe/

At a global level, UNESCO produces an international guide to studying abroad. It includes a searchable on-line database of higher-education study opportunities and the scholarships offered by higher education institutions and international organisations in over 151 countries. It also has contact details and information on admission requirements, application deadlines, financial aid, fees, living expenses and other relevant information for all courses. Information on eligibility for student grants for Irish citizens who wish to pursue their education in the EU is available on www.studentfinance.ie.