Economy Minister Dr has launched a
consultation seeking views on the future level of Postgraduate
Tuition Fee Loans for students.
The consultation invites feedback on four proposed options for
the maximum loan amount, which currently stands at £6,500. The
Minister's preferred option is to increase the loan to £10,000.
Minister Archibald said: “Higher education plays a vital
role in equipping our workforce with the advanced skills and
knowledge needed to drive innovation, attract investment and
support a thriving economy.
“It is essential that access to financial support for
postgraduate study is fair and equitable. That is why my
Department has already announced a 20% increase to the maximum
student maintenance loan available to full-time undergraduate
students from this academic year. And that is why my intention is
to increase the maximum Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan from £6,500
to £10,000.”
Postgraduate tuition fees loans were last reviewed in 2021. This
latest review is part of the Department for the Economy's
commitment to reassess the scheme every three years.
The Minister added: "No one with the ambition to learn
should be held back by financial barriers. I encourage everyone
with an interest in postgraduate education to take part in this
important consultation.”
The consultation will remain open until 5pm on Friday 7
November 2025 and can be found at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-northern-ireland-postgraduate-tuition-fee-loan
