Ministers announce higher education scholarships for over 250 students

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, and Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today welcomed details of a new higher education scholarship scheme for students from disadvantaged backgrounds here.

The scholarships, which will benefit over 250 students, are funded by businessman JP McManus who is well known for his generous support for good causes, particularly in the field of education. The fund of approximately €6million will be used to provide financial assistance to the top performing A Level (A2) students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The first scholarships will be awarded to students starting university in September 2009 and it is anticipated that the value of each scholarship would be £5,500 per annum.

Welcoming the scholarships the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, said: “Widening participation in higher education by students from groups who are currently under-represented is one of my Department’s key strategic goals. In particular, we seek to increase participation from students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities and learning difficulties. The Department has been addressing this issue through a number of policy initiatives and a range of specific funding mechanisms including higher education bursaries and maintenance grants.

“This new scholarship scheme will provide a financial boost to those who are currently planning their future studies and careers. The vision and practical support of people like JP McManus from the world of business shows that philanthropy can make a real difference to the lives of students looking to gain all the benefits from our higher education system.”

Speaking about the announcement the Minister for Education said: “This scholarship scheme has the potential to open doors to university education for young people from some of our most disadvantaged areas. It will include young people in both English and Irish medium schools and will be awarded on the basis of performance in “A” level examinations.”

The Ministers thanked J P McManus for his generosity, not only in making this very substantial endowment, but also for his foresight in making sure that those students from less well-off backgrounds, who show real ability, can be financially supported by this scheme.

Minister Ruane provided some information on the scheme saying: “The new scholarship will support up to 25 students a year for studies at undergraduate level and will be awarded to the top performing students who attend any recognised grant-aided post-primary school. 19 of the scholarships will be available through the schools sector and six through the Further Education Colleges. Eligibility for the scholarship is restricted to those who are in receipt of the Educational Maintenance Allowance, who expect to do well at A level and who intend to take up a higher education place from next autumn. A minimum of two scholarships will be offered in each county, with additional awards allocated on the basis of the top A levels achieved here.”

Referring to the potential impact of the scheme, Sir Reg said: “In recent years we have made very considerable progress in advancing the representation of students from challenging socio-economic backgrounds. A clear majority of school leavers now go on to third-level education as compared with an academically and financially elite minority just a generation ago. This scheme can make a real difference in further advancing the access agenda over the coming years.”

Further details of the scholarships can be found at www.delni.gov.uk/allirelandscholarships.

Notes to Editors:

1. Number of Scholarships

25 scholarships per year will be made available across the six counties, with a minimum of two scholarships to be awarded in each county. The balance will be distributed on the basis of the top A levels achieved throughout the north.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for consideration, candidates must be currently attending a non fee-paying recognised post-primary school or FE college and have participated in an A level programme at that school or college. In addition, each individual candidate must be in receipt of an Educational Maintenance Allowance and must be intending to take up a place at university next autumn.

Selection

Schools and Colleges will shortly be asked to encourage promising A level students who are in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance and who intend to take up a university course next autumn to put forward their names for consideration. The initial identification of potential scholarship recipients will be made on the basis of A level scores on a county-by-county basis. Subsequent checks, including registration on an approved undergraduate course, will be carried out prior to final notification and payment of the scholarship award.

Value of the Scholarship

The value of each scholarship will be determined by the Trustees.

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