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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HERISSIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 28th MARCH 2006
Question
Would the Minister inform members –
- in the light of his recent investigations into higher education places in Australasia,whatother countries and areas, if any, are being investigated for similar possibilities? and,
- given the inability to access the services oftheStudentLoansCompany in the U.K., will the Minister confirm themechanisms the departmentwillbe putting inplace,if any, for Jerseyhigher education students who require studentloans?
Answer
- At present students from Jersey mayapplyforadmissionto any university they choose although there are restrictions on the financial support offered by the States. With a clearer understanding of the relative values ofqualifications within the European Union and with U.K.highereducation provision becoming increasingly costly, I am considering the possibility of partially removing current financial constraints onstudentchoice.The criteria most likely to be applied in determiningwhethergrant aid would be available for a student to attend a university outside the U.K.wouldbe:
- equivalenceofqualification;
- the levelofcareand support which would beafforded the student by the institution;
- the use of English as the language in which the subject is taught; and,
- cost.
I c a n confirm that the initial discussions I have had with universities in Australasia have been
encouraging and the offer of study in this part of the world may prove attractive to some students. I can also confirm that I have been approached by the Icelandic Government to consider higher education provision made there.
- If myproposals for changes to student finance for 2006 are implemented, I intend to opendiscussions with local high street banks to ascertain whatsupport they can offertostudents and their families. Indeed, officers of the Departmenthave already made initial contact with localclearingbanks. With regard tothelongerterm, I havecommissioned a full reviewofhighereducationsupport and will consider the recommendations of that reportwhen the work has been completed.