Explanatory note

These Regulations amend legislation which makes provision about, or in connection with, student finance. Those Regulations being amended are the Education (Student Support) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 “the 2009 Regulations”, and the Education (Student Support, etc.) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 “the 2025 Regulations”.

These Regulations come into force on 10 April 2026, unless otherwise specified.

Regulation 3 allows for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to be available to ‘exam/assessment only’ students and uplifts the maximum level of DSA support available to eligible students in the 2009 Regulations, from £25,000 to £27,500 annually.

Regulations 4 and 5 omit redundant references in the 2009 Regulations.

Regulation 6 inserts a previously omitted paragraph to ensure students studying graduate entry courses are not eligible for special support grant, aligning with arrangements for maintenance grant.

Regulation 7 plus the Schedule amend the 2009 Regulations to update the payment rates for student support for an academic year which begins on or after 1st August 2026.

Regulation 8 makes technical amendments to correct the 2025 Regulations.