More students with disabilities who are in higher education could benefit from an allowance under changes to regulations governing grants.

Tynwald will be asked to approve the Education (Student Awards) Regulations for 2015 when it sits this month.

Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘The Department of Education and Children will invest more than ?10 million in supporting students through further and higher education in 2015/16.

‘The Department still meets the majority of course costs, despite the introduction of a student contribution in 2014.

‘Nearly 1,600 students are being funded by the DEC to study for further and higher education qualifications at UK or overseas education institutions, at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education or by distance learning,’ said the Minister.

‘Tynwald is asked to approve the regulations governing student awards annually,’ the Minister explained.

‘The only change to the regulations this year is the removal of the requirement that students with a disability should be in receipt of a maintenance grant from the DEC before they are able to apply for a disability allowance.

‘This disability allowance is paid by the DEC to students for whom entering higher education will mean extra expense, for example for assistance or equipment they require. It is aimed at ensuring no-one misses out on the chance to take a degree course or similar.

‘Only around a third of students qualify for a maintenance grant – awarded to assist with living expenses – and this improvement to the regulations will ensure students with disabilities don’t miss out on that allowance because they are not eligible for maintenance.’

For information about student awards, visit www.gov.im/categories/education-training-and-careers/student-grants/. 

Application forms for 2015/16 will be uploaded shortly.

The deadline to apply for funding for the 2015/16 academic year is 31st July.