A regulation change could open up postgraduate study to more people where it would boost the Island’s economic development.

At present, students require upper second class honours, or 2:1, degrees to receive funding from the Department of Education and Children (DEC) for postgraduate study.

Under Student Awards Regulations going before Tynwald this month, students with second class honours, or 2:2, degrees could apply for funding for postgraduate study where there’s a proven need for more highly qualified employees in that field.

‘There are postgraduate qualifications which are of “national importance” in terms of the Island’s economic success,’ explained Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children.

‘If Government and employers are telling us there’s the need for more skilled worker in areas for which postgraduate study is required, graduates with 2:2s in those fields would then be considered for support.

‘Clearly, areas where there are skills shortages, and where we need more well-qualified employees, change as the Island continues to grow and diversify, so whether to grant support will be judged accordingly.’

The DEC is obliged to take new Student Awards Regulations to Tynwald each year.

There were major changes in 2013, when a universal ?2,500 a year contribution towards tuition fees was introduced, with higher-earning families paying more.

This year’s regulations contain few changes, the Minister said.

‘In the regulations, we set out more clearly who a contributor is: a parent or guardian of the student or someone who has treated the child as a member of their family,’ said the Minister.

‘The regulations also update rates of maintenance payments, which are calculated according to location and length of course. Around a quarter of those who qualify for tuition fees are also eligible for means-tested maintenance sums.’

For more information on student awards, visit www.gov.im/categories/education-training-and-careers/student-grants/