Minister rules out follow-up checks on education grants

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at 06:20

DESC presents progress update on student awards

The education minister says she’s hopeful that higher education options will become more accessible to people on the Isle of Man.

But some MHKs have questioned whether government should be keeping tabs on how taxpayer backed financial support is used and what benefits it brings back to the Island.

In Tynwald Daphne Caine presented her department’s progress update on student awards.

You can read the document HERE.

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.

Manx Radio’s Political Correspondent Phil Gawne spoke to Mrs Caine after the Tynwald sitting:

Minister rules out follow-up checks on education grants

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