Nothern Ireland 2013/14 - student fees and grants

National student fee

1st cycle full-time – fees are set by institutions but capped at a maximum of GBP 3 575 for institutions with an access agreement outlining its provision of student support, including bursaries and outreach activities. Students are not required to pay up front and can apply for a loan to cover the full fee. Repayments are income-contingent and made at the rate of 9 % of income above the threshold of GBP 16 365. These fees apply to Northern Ireland and EU student; fees for UK students from England, Scotland and Wales are charged up to GBP 9 000 though for students from Wales this can be offset by a fee grant from the Welsh Government.

1st cycle part-time – fees are unregulated.

2nd cycle – fees are unregulated. The ‘most common’ fee (GBP 3 900) represents an indicative amount for doctoral research programmes (which may incorporate masters level study) set by the Research Councils and used as a guide by many institutions. Actual fees charged vary widely, particularly for taught programmes.

1st and 2nd cycle international students – fees are unregulated.

Student grants

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a need based grant for living costs. The maximum is GBP 3 475 (for students with a household income of GBP 19 203 or less). In 2011/2, 39 % of applicants were awarded a full grant and 23 % were awarded a partial grant. Students who are lone parents or who have certain disabilities may be eligible for a special support grant.

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a loan for living costs for all students. The maximum loan is GBP 3 750 for students living in the family home and GBP 4 840 for students living away. The amount is reduced for students who receive a need based grant. Repayment as for tuition fee loans.

1st cycle full-time – all institutions must offer an additional bursary to students who receive the maximum grant for living costs or special support grant. The amount varies.

1st cycle part-time – a need-based grant for tuition fees and other costs is available. Loans are not available.

2nd cycle – with the exception of a few specific disciplines, such as teaching, social work and some health professions, the majority of students following taught programmes are self-financing. Where available, a taught masters studentship is for GBP 6 863. There is some support for students on doctoral research programmes (which may incorporate masters level study). The Research Councils set a minimum level for this stipend which for 2013/14 is GBP 13 726 per year.

Around 60 % of students on taught programmes and 30 % of research students do not receive any support towards tuition fees or living costs.

Loans

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system.

Family allowances

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system.