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Higher education funding
Public consultation
From 11 December 2017 to 12 January 2018, Jersey students, parents and the public can have their say about a new university funding proposal from the Council of Ministers.
It is similar to the current grant system but with higher income allowances so that more young people can get financial help from the States. This will apply to all eligible students studying for a degree from September 2018 – first, second and third years.
What this means for families
Your Household Income (total/gross) | States grant you could get per year | ||
Tuition fees | Maintenance | Total | |
£0 to £49,999.99 | £9,250 | £6,500 | £15,750 |
£50,000 to £59,999.99 | £9,250 | £5,500 | £14,750 |
£60,000 to £69,999.99 | £9,250 | £5,000 | £14,250 |
£70,000 to £79,999.99 | £9,250 | £4,000 | £13,250 |
£80,000 to £89,999.99 | £9,250 | £3,000 | £12,250 |
£90,000 to £94,999.99 | £9,250 | £2,000 | £11,250 |
£95,000 to £149,999.99 | £9,250 | 0 | £9,250 |
£150,000+ | £4,625 | 0 | £4,625 |
Most of the elements of the existing grant scheme will stay the same. You can find the details online at gov.je but the main points are:
- The extra fees for doctor, dentist and vet courses will be covered by an extra grant.
- The grant will still be available if you study for a degree in Jersey or take a recognised qualification at an overseas university outside the UK.
- If your family has assets (not including your family home) of more than £500,000 you will get the same as those in the £150,000 bracket. Examples are property or shares.
You still need to:
- Have lived in Jersey for five years (or one year if you are entitled').
- Have the right qualifications: A-levels or equivalent.
- Apply through the Student Finance department.
- Repay the grant if you don't complete the course.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: How to give us your views
Higher education funding consultation
How will Jersey pay for the new scheme?
The extra financial help for students will cost the island more but our economy will benefit from having a highly skilled workforce. In the first two years the cost will be met from existing States funds, which are healthier than previously predicted.
Income tax changes
Currently, some families can claim Higher Child Allowance for children at university, which reduces their income tax bill. This will be removed from 2021.
In the meantime, families who receive the tax allowance will have their higher education grant reduced accordingly. However, all households will be better off under the new grant system.
This income tax change will add an extra £3.5 million to the Education Department's £10.5 million annual budget for higher education and help pay for the new scheme.
What about a student loan?
A loan system has been ruled out because of the burden of debt it would place on students, their families and the island's finances.
Student loans would tie up a significant amount of money that could be used for other public services. In addition, loans are complex and costly to administer, especially the repayments. Many students return to the island but a significant number don't and it would be expensive and difficult to collect repayments from people who are not in Jersey.
What happens next?
A report on the consultation responses will be produced early in 2018 and a proposition with the final option will be taken to the States as soon as possible after that.
More information
- Consultation at www.gov.je/government/consultations/Pages/default.aspx
- The Education Department's background report on Higher Education Funding R.51/2016 www.statesassembly.gov.je
- Scrutiny report on Tertiary Education Student Finance www.scrutiny.gov.je