Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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960. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address concerns regarding the lack of supports for persons seeking to complete a part-time masters degree while employed; if there are any plans to increase supports in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32326/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Springboard+ offers support for part-time students on master’s courses. This is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It offers free or heavily subsidised upskilling and reskilling higher education opportunities in areas of identified skills need. Courses range from Level 6 to Level 9 on the NFQ, which include master’s degree courses, with the majority of these courses being delivered on a flexible and part-time basis. Springboard+ 2025 launched in May 2025 is providing 163 places on seven part-time master’s courses.

My Department is continually monitoring the student supports available in order to make improvements where possible, subject to budgetary constraints.

Up until the 2024/25 academic year, there was no fee support for students undertaking part-time courses. As the Deputy may be aware, a new Part Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses was launched in August 2024. This Scheme is limited to undergraduate courses at present as the Student Support Act 2011 only allows for part-time courses at undergraduate level to be approved. Any future extension to postgraduate courses would require a change to the Student Support Act 2011.

Students on part-time postgraduate programmes may also be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education.