Studying in UK & Northern Ireland

Studying in the UK has a real option for many Irish students over the years. However, Brexit (Britain leaving the EU) has created a few changes with tuition fees and other costs. We have linked up with Youth Work Ireland Youth Work Ireland Tipperary and In Sync Youth Information Service – Kildare  to provide information and links to help you plan ahead. Here is our publication Studying Abroad in UK and Europe

How do I find out about UK courses?

Citizens Information have very useful information on Studying in the UK including Northern Ireland and is the source of some of the information for this post.  You can also have a look at Careersportal Study Abroad.

Another useful guide is Moving from Ireland to the UK: Everything students need to know in 2024

Are there fees to study in the UK or Northern Ireland?

The Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and Ireland means that Irish citizen students (more info) who meet the residency criteria (resident in Ireland or the UK for 3 years before the start of your course more info), pay the same fees as UK students for study in the UK.

There are different fee arrangements for each country within the UK, e.g. for 2022/23:

• £9,250 (England/Scotland )
• £9,000 (Wales)
• £4,000 – £5,000 (Northern Ireland)

Information on funding for teaching and healthcare courses in a section below.

Are there any financial supports to study in UK?

College Grant (SUSI):

You can still apply for the Maintenance (contribution to living costs) part of the SUSI grant (if eligible) – Brexit has not affected this . The fee part of the SUSI grant is not available for anyone studying outside the state. More information

UK Student Loan System:

• As an Irish student starting a degree (undergraduate) course in UK, you can apply for a UK student loans system  which you only have to repay after you have graduated – Brexit has not changed this.
• If you are applying through UCAS, they should send you the Student loan application form when you are offered a place on a course.
• If you are starting a degree in Northern Ireland, you can apply to the Student Finance Services European Team for a loan of up to £4,630 to cover the tuition fee.
• The GOV.UK website has information on the financial supports available for EU students studying in the UK including Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Bursaries and Scholarships

A number of the Northern Ireland institutions have bursaries and scholarships available to students.  Contact your college/ university of choice to find out if there is anything available or find out more: University and college bursaries

Tax Relief

Irish students paying college fees in UK may be eligible to avail of tax relief if you qualify –  More information.

Information on funding for social work, teaching and healthcare courses in section further down this page.

Studying in Northern Ireland

Fees and Student loan

If you live in the Republic of Ireland and hope to start a degree course in Northern Ireland in 2022-2023 the maximum fee will be £4,630. Students from ROI (and other non-UK EU countries) can apply to the Student Finance Services European Team for a loan of up to £4,630 to cover the tuition fee.

Bursaries & Scholarships

A number of the Northern Ireland institutions have bursaries and scholarships available to students.  Contact your college/ university of choice to find out if there is anything available or find out more: University and college bursaries

Bursaries

Means-tested bursaries are available and these are in addition to government grants and do not have to be paid back.

e.g. University Access Bursary –  Ulster University

• To receive a bursary, students must have applied to Student Finance NI for financial support.
• Bursaries are calculated automatically on the basis of residual household income. Students do not need to apply for the bursary and there are no application forms for this purpose.
• The bursary will be paid directly into a student’s bank account in one instalment.
• EU students should apply for financial support to; Student Finance Services, Student Loans Company, PO Box 89, Darlington, Co Durham, DL1 9AZ. Tel: +44 (0) 141 243 3570.
• Applications for support must be made to the relevant authority by the end of May of the academic year for which support is sought.
• Fostering Aspirations Bursaries – The University provides a care-leaver bursary of £1,000 per annum.
• This is part of a comprehensive suite of financial and non-financial support available to students with a background of care that includes access to year-round accommodation and assistance with the application process.

Scholarships in Northern Ireland

There are some scholarships aimed specifically at students from the Republic of Ireland who want to study in Northern Ireland:

• The All Ireland Scholarship Scheme, funded by JP McManus,  provides third level education scholarships to 100 top performing eligible Leaving Certificate students from less advantaged
  backgrounds each year.
  
• The North/ South Scholarships, from Universities Ireland, offers financial support to students from the Republic to undertaking postgraduate studies in Northern Ireland. The aim of the North/South Scholarship scheme is to encourage outstanding students from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to cross the border to undertake postgraduate study and experience life in the other Irish jurisdiction.

Health Professional Courses in Northern Ireland

If you are planning a degree course in Allied Health Professional nursing, midwifery or dental hygiene and therapy, you will have different funding arrangements from other higher education students. Further Information

Funding for healthcare and teaching courses

Funding for these courses can change from year to year so it’s important to check the official organisations’ websites or contact them directly for the most up to date details.

Nursing, midwifery & AHP (allied health professional)

If you are planning a degree course in Allied Health Professional nursing, midwifery or dental hygiene and therapy, you will have different funding arrangements from other higher education students.

Northern Ireland: Further Information on Health Professional Courses in Northern Ireland –

England: new nursing, midwifery and most allied health students will no longer receive NHS bursaries. Instead, they will have access to the SUSI maintenance grant and UK student loans system as other students (if eligible).

Teaching

If you’re thinking about undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher training, there are various funding sources to support you through your training programme. It’s not guaranteed, but there are different options you can check out depending on the route you’ve chosen, the subject you want to teach, and your personal circumstances. Further information

Progression routes from studying in Ireland to the UK

With all the talk of applying to university, it can be easy to forget that there are other routes to your chosen career . Many Colleges of Further Education (PLC Colleges) in Ireland link with Colleges and Universities in the UK to enable students who have successfully completed a QQI Level 6 (sometimes 5) Awards apply for relevant courses.  Apply through the UCAS application system.  Get support from the guidance person in your College or the Youth Information Service – they would be happy to help!!!

Why not study in Europe?

When it comes to further study, there are many options abroad. In fact, there are thousands of courses taught through English in Europe. Entry requirements can often be more flexible than the CAO points system and many courses have low if not free fees. You will also be able to bring your maintenance grant with you if you are eligible for one.

How do I find out more?