Just two asylum seeking students get grants for third-level accessibility

Only two asylum-seeking students have benefited from a scheme aimed at making third-level education accessible for those already living here long term.

The Department of Education received 39 applications for student supports under the scheme announced last August.

At the time, then education minister Jan O’Sullivan said a relatively small number of students who are seeking asylum, including those in direct provision, are excluded from going to college each year, primarily because they are considered in the same way as non-EU students with fees of around €15,0000 per year.