Written answers

Thursday, 14 July 2022

Department of Education and Skills

Third Level Costs

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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620. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the grant supports either through SUSI or other schemes that are available to postgraduate students enrolled in level 9 programmes that are delivered online only (details supplied); if there are plans to introduce provision for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38965/22]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The main support available to assist postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.

Approved courses for the Student Grant Scheme 2022 are prescribed in Regulations 3 and 4 of the Student Support Regulations 2022 and in the Student Support Act 2011. In order to be considered for a grant a student is required to be pursuing an approved full-time course under Section 8(1)(b) of the Student Support Act 2011 in an approved institution. Regulations prescribe that an approved course requires attendance by a student on a full-time basis at an approved institution, therefore courses that are online are not currently approved for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme and therefore students attending these courses do not qualify for grant assistance under the Student Grant Scheme.

The issue of potentially expanding part-time delivery of tertiary education in Ireland is a complex one and significant planning will need to be conducted at both national and institution level to manage the significant supply-side impacts on educational institutions. Funding the Futurehas committed the Government to financially supporting part-time, blended and postgraduate learning in the medium term, once existing reform commitments are embedded within the sector.

I have convened a Higher Education Reform Implementation and Review Group to support the development, implementation and review of a reform agenda at national and sectoral level to meet the ambition contained in the funding and reform framework. The first meeting of this group took place on May 25 2022 and I am excited to hear from the sector representatives in relation to the reform agenda including flexible and lifelong learning.

Upskilling and reskilling provision in higher education is available through Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1, providing a combined over 13,500 places in over 350 courses available in the 2022/23 academic year. Almost 95 per cent of the courses provided will be delivered in a more flexible format. As well as aiding participation for those in employment, increased online and distance learning provision will allow people from all across the country to access programmes in regions other than where they reside.

The Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 programme is managed by the Higher Education Authority, on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Springboard+ complements the core State-funded education and training system and provides free and subsidised upskilling and reskilling higher education opportunities in areas of identified skills need. Springboard+ courses are at Level 6 (Certificate) to Level 9 (Masters) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are delivered by public and private higher education providers around the country.

HCI Pillar 1, Graduate Conversion Programmes was launched in June 2020. Approval has already been granted for courses under HCI Pillar 1 to run for the 2022/23 academic year, as part of the approval process in 2020. These courses are one year, full time conversion courses at levels 8 and 9, in areas of identified skills need, building on experience of the ICT Conversion Courses under Springboard+.

Over 150 courses are available at NFQ level 9 under Springboard+ 2022 and HCI Pillar 1 for the 2022/2023 academic year. 31 of these courses relate to either Science or Engineering. Full details on Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) courses, the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the website: www.springboardcourses.ie.

Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Students can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) supports participation by students with a disability in further and higher education. The aim is to ensure that students can participate fully in education, or on an equal basis with their peers. The Disability Officers actively promote the ethos of inclusive learning for all students. Recently the FSD has also been used for projects to develop strategic disability services in HEIs and supports for students. Examples include inclusive design in teaching and learning, improving online teaching and learning practices, staff training, improving campus experience for students with disabilities, assistive technology supports and autism-friendly spaces.

Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax office or from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie

The postgraduate office within the higher education institution would also be able to advise on funding supports.

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