USI criticises ‘biased’ college grant criteria

STUDENTS have criticised rules which mean young married people must submit their parents’ income to apply for a college grant.

Under the higher education grants scheme funded by the Department of Education, the income used to means test students under the age of 23 is of themselves and their parents.

The student is only considered an independent mature candidate above that age, at which stage their income - and that of their spouse if they are married - is assessed.