Higher education support to increase from September, after Tynwald approval

Student award rules aim to reflect rising living costs, expand eligibility, and improve support for distance learners

Students and families are set to receive increased financial support for higher education from September 2026, after a series of reforms were approved by Tynwald.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture claims the changes will modernise the student awards system, taking into account the rising cost-of-living and growing number of people studying through distance and part-time routes.

The revised rules apply to students studying in the UK and further afield, and those enrolled on higher education courses at University College Isle of Man.

Under the new framework, families earning up to £90,000 could qualify for maintenance support, with full grant limits increasing by 41 percent from £21,547 to £30,388.

Study support grants will rise to £8,500 for UK-based students, and £9,000 for those studying in London or elsewhere.

Support for students with disabilities is also being expanded. The annual 'Undergraduate Disability Allowance' will increase from £1,642 to £2,600, while funding for non-medical helpers will rise from £12,420 to £19,760. Allowances for specialist equipment will also increase to £7,800 per year.

The government says the regulations introduce greater flexibility for distance and part-time learnings, who will be assessed using the same income limits as full-time students.

At the same time, the tuition fee grant will reduce to £6,000, with students able to borrow up to £3,535 to cover the remaining cost.

In a statement, Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine says: "We want to make sure our students can get the support they need to reach their goals - whether that’s at university, college, or through flexible learning at UCM or further afield."