The Brexit deadline of 29 March looms large.
With thousands of Irish students in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes throughout the United Kingdom, the status of those students post-Brexit is yet to be firmly established.
However, the Department of Education today confirmed that continue supports for prospective higher education students planning to study in the UK and for UK nationals wishing to attend colleges in Ireland. These supports include SUSI grants, as well as the Free Fees scheme which currently stands at €3000.
This continuation will last into the 2019/2020 academic year, though it has not been confirmed to continue beyond that.
Minister McHugh said: “I continue to work closely with my colleague Simon Coveney T.D., An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to bring longer term clarity for both Irish students wishing to study in the UK and UK nationals wishing to take up studies in Ireland.
“It is vital that both Ireland and the UK continue to build on the strong and valuable co-operation which currently exists.”
Minister Mitchell O’Connor said: “In accordance with the commitments given in the Government’s Contingency Action Plan for Brexit, my officials are working on amendments to the Student Support Act 2011.
“These amendments will ensure that eligible Irish and UK students continue to receive grant supports for the 2019/20 academic year.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
