Economy minister Diane Dodds today welcomed the UK government’s “coordinated approach… to address the unwelcome practices of some higher education institutions pressurising students with unconditional and incentivised offers this year.”
The government’s package confirmed that higher education providers are eligible to apply for its COVID-19 support packages including business loan support schemes.
It draws on proposals from the UK universities sector to stabilise university admissions this autumn.
Further guidance has been published as to how providers should access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to safeguard staff jobs.
Tuition fee payments will also be bought forward to help universities better manage financial risks over the autumn.
Minister Dodds added that she will continue to press the UK government for further funding to stabilise the higher education sector in Northern Ireland and support research and development.
She commented: "No student should be placed under any more pressure this year than they already find themselves in as a result of the pandemic.
“Our local higher education sector is a key contributor to the local economy and will be of vital importance to our economic recovery after this."
Further information on the full announcement can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-support-package-for-universities-and-students
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Source: Written from press release
