Investment in the youth is an investment in the future.

That’s according to Education Minister Anne Craine as Tynwald unanimously approved proposed changes to the student awards system.

Increased living allowances, deadlines for applications and strict new criteria could be introduced under the new regulations.

The Department of Education spends more than ?10 million annually on maintenance grants and tuition fees for over 1,000 undergraduates, 130 post graduates at higher education establishments and 250 students on further and higher education courses at the Isle of Man College and International Business School.

Education Minister Anne Craine believes supporting Manx students in such a fashion provides value for money for the Manx taxpayer.