Student grant for asylum seekers

Dozens of asylum seekers can apply next week for student grants and to be exempt from international college fees that would make higher education here impossible for them.

However, any who are the subject of deportation orders during their studies will not be allowed to continue.

Under details announced by Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan — which she had flagged earlier this month and last Easter before college applications closed — free tuition will only be available to those who have been at least five years in the Irish school system and have completed the Leaving Certificate. They must also have spent at least five years as part of an application for asylum or at leave-to-remain stage to be considered for the supports.