In a major development for students across Northern Ireland, Conor Murphy MLA, Minister for the Economy, announced a 20% increase in student maintenance loans starting from the 2025/26 academic year. This uplift aims to provide students with the financial support they need to engage fully in their studies and have a positive university experience.
For students from the lowest income households, the combined maintenance loan and grant funding will rise as follows:
- From £6,610 to £7,925 for those living at home
- From £8,136 to £9,757 for those living away from home
- From £10,852 to £13,016 for those living in London
Eligible students can also continue to access income-assessed maintenance grant support of up to £3,475.
The National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA) has warmly welcomed the announcement. Debbie Forsey, NASMA Member for NI Policy, commented, “This additional funding will make a considerable difference to the lives of many NI undergraduates who struggle to meet essential daily living costs. For years, the region has lagged behind the rest of the UK in terms of maintenance support for HE students, a situation made worse by rising rents and general cost-of-living pressures.”
She added, “However, more needs to be done. The Department for the Economy should now address the lack of maintenance and childcare support for NI postgraduate students. Additionally, the Department of Health needs to urgently review the funding for NI nursing and midwifery students and NASMA would call upon the NI Minister for Health to follow the lead of DfE.”
also continue to access income-assessed maintenance grant support of up to £3,475.
The National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA) has warmly welcomed the announcement. Debbie Forsey, NASMA Member for NI Policy, commented, “This additional funding will make a considerable difference to the lives of many NI undergraduates who struggle to meet essential daily living costs. For years, the region has lagged behind the rest of the UK in terms of maintenance support for HE students, a situation made worse by rising rents and general cost-of-living pressures.”
She added, “However, more needs to be done. The Department for the Economy should now address the lack of maintenance and childcare support for NI postgraduate students. Additionally, the Department of Health needs to urgently review the funding for NI nursing and midwifery students and NASMA would call upon the NI Minister for Health to follow the lead of DfE.”
Murphy announces 20% increase in student maintenance loans from 2025/26 | Department for the Economy
