Higher Education Grants for Island Students to Increase

Jersey students pursuing higher education will see a boost in the support available to them, following the approval of new ministerial orders signed by Deputy Rob Ward, the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning. The changes, set to take effect from 1 September, will offer increased financial assistance to those continuing their studies.

The adjustments include a 5.2% rise in household income thresholds, which determine how much a student can receive in grants. Additionally, maintenance grants will rise by 2.5%, while tuition fee grants will see an increase of 3.2%.

Deputy Ward emphasised the importance of reviewing financial support for students over the age of 18 to ensure that cost-based barriers don't hinder their ability to continue their education. "These changes are in response to the rising cost of living and are designed to help reduce financial pressures, especially for those studying in the UK where living at home isn't an option," he explained.

The increase in thresholds means that families earning up to £52,600 will now be eligible for full maintenance grants, up from the previous threshold of £50,000. Other grant categories will also see adjustments:

• The maximum tuition grant will rise from £110,000 to £115,720.

• The clinical component grant will increase from £100,000 to £105,200.

• The grant for attending interviews will go up from £50,000 to £52,600.

• For students with disabilities, the grant for specialist equipment will rise from £90,000 to £94,680.

Additionally, the maximum maintenance grant will increase from £8,915 to £9,138, while the maximum tuition grant will rise from £9,250 to £9,535.

These changes are expected to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by Jersey students, particularly those studying away from home in the UK.