Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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250. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the issues that arise if a student from another EU member state currently studying in fifth year at second-level here under an exchange programme wishes to remain here to continue their studies in sixth year and then enter the third-level education system here; his views on eligibility issues in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4819/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The main support available to students in third level education is the statutory based SUSI grant scheme.

Under the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

With regard to residency, in order to be eligible for a grant, a "student", as defined in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011, must demonstrate that he/she has been resident in the State for at least 3 years out of the 5 year period ending on the day before the start of his/her approved course of study.

This requirement takes cognisance of students who wish to take time out to travel or work abroad. Such students can still meet the residency requirement if they have not been outside the State for more than two of the previous five years. Similar and in some cases more restrictive residency requirements apply in other EU Member States.

It is also possible for students, who did not meet the residency requirement at the commencement of their studies, to have their eligibility reviewed if they meet the residency requirement during the course of their studies.

The nationality requirements for the student grant scheme are set out in section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2019. To qualify for a student grant, it is the candidate's nationality or his/her immigration status in the State that determines whether or not he/she meets the nationality requirement outlined in the Act and Regulations.

Further details regarding the student grant scheme can be accessed at www.susi.ie