Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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678. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there have been changes to the way that Irish students studying in Scotland will be treated as a result of Brexit; if will they continue to be treated as home students and eligible for support with fees for the 2021-22 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9984/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Until 31st December 2020, Scotland applied a exemption for EU students from outside the UK for its fee regime for higher education students. This facilitated the 'free fees' regime for Scottish students, and EU (including Irish students) while at the same time charging fees to students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As a consequence of the UK departure from the EU, Scotland has advised that this arrangement is no longer possible. While Scotland opted to charge EU students the higher full international fee, Irish students will be treated on the same basis as UK students from outside Scotland. This means that they will be liable are now liable for fees of up to £9,250 per annum.

This revised arrangement does not impact on Irish students who are already pursuing their higher education studies in Scottish higher education institutions.

The Deputy should also note that I recently amended the Student Support Act 2011 which will ensure that eligible Irish students can take their SUSI grant should they choose to study in the UK. In addition, students seeking to pursue their studies in Scotland should contact the Student Awards Agency Scotland to explore their eligibility for further finance options.