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WQ.350/2024
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
BY DEPUTY H.M. MILES OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 14th OCTOBER 2024
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 21st OCTOBER 2024
Question
"In respect of Government postgraduate funding, will the Minister –
- provide the criteria used for postgraduate funding for professional qualifications;
- explain why the postgraduate bursary is not available to support part-time study;
- advise what funding options, if any, are available to students whose applications for the postgraduate bursary are unsuccessful; and
- explain why the bursary has not been increased to reflect rises in the cost of living since its creation in 2000?"
Answer
- The criteria used for postgraduate funding for professional examinations at a higher level is defined in Article 9 of the Education (Grants and Allowances) (Jersey) Order 2018 with further reference to Schedule 2 of the Education (Jersey) Law 1999.
In the past two years an average of 45 students per year received funding for postgraduate study with an average total annual cost for fees and maintenance circa £560,000.
- Since the establishment of the bursary, the requirement for students to study full-time has been a longstanding feature. This criterion is also included in the Education (Grants and Allowances) Order, first introduced in 2018, for postgraduate grants leading to a professional qualification.
The Minister is considering broadening the eligibility criteria for the bursary. This includes a review of the current requirements for candidates to obtain a minimum second-class honours degree (2:1) as well as the requirement to undertake study on a full-time basis.
- There are a number of educational trusts, bursaries and gift funds, some of which may include financial support for postgraduate level study. For a full list please visit the Educational trusts, bursaries and gift funds section of the Student Finance webpage.
Outside of Jersey, students can apply for scholarships or bursaries offered by external providers, educational institutions, research bodies, or industry. However, the eligibility criteria and available funding will vary based on the conditions set by each provider.
- Since appointment to the role earlier this year, the Minister's focus has been given to fulfilling the obligations outlined in P.12/2024 as amended and adopted. Those considering pursuit of postgraduate studies have already benefited from undergraduate education. In the Proposed Budget 2025-2028, the Minister has prioritised improving access to undergraduate education.
No additional budget has been proposed for changes that would increase the cost of the bursary scheme however, the Minister is considering the feasibility of an inflation-linked increase in 2025 in addition to wider changes outlined in P.12/2024.