AQW 38287/22-27 Written question to the Minister for the Economy

To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department plans to extend the maintenance and childcare support, currently only available to full-time students, to eligible part-time learners.

Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 15 January 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
15 January 2026
Answer due by
30 January 2026
Answered
28 January 202613 days after tabling
Department
Department for the Economy
Priority question
No

Answer

Engagement is continuing on the development of draft Terms of Reference for a wider Review of Higher Education Funding.

It is proposed that the review will include consideration of the financial support available to students, including whether current arrangements remain appropriate and whether support should be extended beyond its existing scope.

The overall timeframe for the review will be determined once the Terms of Reference are finalised and subject to the availability of resources.

Official sources