The Further Education (Student Support) (Eligibility) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
Introduction
The Further Education (Student Support) (Eligibility) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 (the “Regulations”) were made on 9 February 2025 and came into force on 10 February 2025. The Regulations amend the Further Education (Student Support) (Eligibility) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (the “Principal Regulations”).
Purpose of the Regulations
The purpose of the Regulations is to amend the Principal Regulations to:
- Extend the period of time in which a person may be eligible for a student loan to four years.
- Increase the income threshold for eligibility for a student loan.
- Make minor technical amendments to the Principal Regulations.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the Regulations are as follows:
- Extension of the period of time in which a person may be eligible for a student loan to four years. Under the Principal Regulations, a person was eligible for a student loan for a maximum of three years. The Regulations extend this period to four years. This means that a person who starts a course of further education in the academic year 2025/26 or later will be eligible for a student loan for a maximum of four years.
- Increase in the income threshold for eligibility for a student loan. Under the Principal Regulations, a person was not eligible for a student loan if their household income exceeded £25,000. The Regulations increase this income threshold to £30,000. This means that a person whose household income is £30,000 or less will be eligible for a student loan from the academic year 2025/26.
- Minor technical amendments to the Principal Regulations. The Regulations also make a number of minor technical amendments to the Principal Regulations. These amendments are intended to clarify the meaning of the Principal Regulations and to make them easier to understand.
Impact of the Regulations
The Regulations will have a positive impact on students in Northern Ireland. The extension of the period of time in which a person may be eligible for a student loan to four years will make it easier for students to complete their studies. The increase in the income threshold for eligibility for a student loan will make it easier for students from low-income households to access further education.
Conclusion
The Regulations are a welcome amendment to the Principal Regulations. They will make it easier for students in Northern Ireland to access and complete further education.
The Further Education (Student Support) (Eligibility) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
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