County Derry Sinn Féin youth welcome consultation on student finance arrangements

Lead organiser for County Derry Sinn Féin Republican Youth, Seán Bateson has welcomed the launch of a consultation by Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry on part-time and postgraduate student finance arrangements.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Jun 2015, 13:00 BST

The young republican leader said: “Sinn Féin Republican Youth welcome the launch of this consultation around part-time and postgraduate student finance arrangements.

“NUS-USI and students’ unions have been lobbying for such a scheme since 2012. In the existing system only those who are fortunate enough to have thousands of pounds available upfront can go onto postgraduate study.

“One of the major problems with the current funding options is that repayments are expected immediately and not once the earnings of the student cross a reasonable threshold as is the case with undergraduate loans. This proposal would mirror that scheme.

“I would encourage everyone to take part in this consultation. The consultation period will run for approximately 14 weeks until 11 September 2015 and can be viewed at www.delni.gov.uk/part-time-and-post-graduate-student-finance.”