ALMOST 1,700 students are still waiting for payment of their grants for more than six months, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has claimed.

COLLEGE grants for disadvantaged students are now covering as little as a quarter of the cost of higher education, a Government think-tank has found.

AROUND 60,000 third-level students will have an average of 5% less per week from January due to a cut in grants by Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe.

One in three college students in Ireland is experiencing mental health problems, according to a university report.

THOUSANDS of students could be forced to drop out of college if the Government sanctions further increases in third level registration fees in December’s budget, it was claimed yesterday.

The Union of Students in Ireland is vowing to fight against any moves to increase college registration fees.

YOUNG people have voted slightly in favour of passing the Lisbon Treaty in anonline poll, but are frustrated with the political process and the debate ahead of tomorrow’s referendum.

THE Department of Education has insisted no decision to introduce college fees has been made – despite claims by student representatives that colleges have been told to advise incoming students they could have to pay for their education from next year.

STUDENT leaders have promised they will continue to oppose any form of college fees or loans system ahead of an announcement by Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe in the coming months.

UP to 60,000 students have been left counting the cost after their grants were frozen for a second year in a row despite an 11% rise in third-level education costs in the same period.

RURAL people, mature students and the least well-off will be most affected by planned changes in how grant applications are assessed, according to the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

THERE are concerns more student union officers who attended a training session in Waterford last week may have contracted swine flu after two delegates were confirmed to have the illness.

AN Bord Snip Nua recommends a range of measures to cut 2,000 jobs and save €271 million a year on third-level education.

PARENTS and students may have to wait until the end of the year before they know what form of student fees or loans scheme will be introduced.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has welcomed today’s launch of a website which gives information on what grants are available to students as well as support structures that students can avail of while at their chosen college.

THE victims of a mistake which left a class of psychology doctors without a recognised degree are expected to be allowed to graduate next spring.