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The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh and Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor today announced their decision to continue supports for prospective higher education students planning to study in the UK and for UK nationals wishing to attend colleges in Ireland.

As outlined in the recently published Government’s Contingency Action Plan, the Government remains committed to working with our EU partners and institutions, and in turn with the British Government to reach an agreed outcome. As the departure date comes closer, it is important to give clarity for prospective higher education students wishing to study in the UK.

Eligible Irish and EU nationals wishing to enrol on approved courses in the UK for the 2019/20 academic year will be able to avail of SUSI grants.

Eligible UK students who enrol for eligible courses for the current 2019/20 academic year in a third level college recognised for the purposes of free fees and student grant purposes, will be eligible to avail of the Department’s Free Fees and Student Grant schemes. This includes the student contribution fee for Irish and EU citizens which currently stands at €3,000 for the 2018/19 academic year.

This will mean that the student grant and tuition fee arrangements that are currently in place will continue to apply for those students entering higher education in the 2019/2020 academic year for the duration of their studies. The position will be reviewed in advance of the 2020/2021 academic year.

Minister McHugh said:

I am pleased to be able to announce this decision at this time. It provides certainty for prospective students applying before the CAO closing date of 1 February.

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:

I am delighted to be able to provide certainty for prospective students applying for college places in Ireland and the UK.

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.