Jersey’s Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner, has confirmed that Student Finance maintenance grants will increase by 3.8% in September 2023, to support students with the cost of living.
All students who receive Student Finance maintenance grants will be eligible, including:
- Students who study off-Island
- Independent students studying on-Island
- Dependent students studying on-Island
To enact the increase, the Minister will sign an amendment to the Education (Grants and Allowances) (Jersey) Order 2018 later in the spring. More guidance will be available online.
The increase in maintenance is the third increase announced in the past year. Last September all students received a 2.9% increase to their maintenance grants. In December, all students studying off-Island and independent students studying on-Island also received a one-off 7.2% increase, which is also now being made permanent.
Once an application is received, the increase will automatically be included when grants are calculated well ahead of the new academic year. This means that students do not need to delay their application to receive the extra payment.
Applications for Student Finance for 2023 opened on 1 January. So far 226 HE2 forms have been submitted and 92 HE1 forms have been submitted.
Following feedback from parents and students, the application process has also been made easier:
- The HE2 Income Statement form can now be completed easily online, with a confirmation reference automatically generated.
- A new document upload portal means students and parents can upload offer letters, results letters and other supporting documents easily.
Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner (pictured), said: “Student Finance is – for many students – the additional support that enables them to study for a degree, especially those who are studying off-Island.
“I want to make sure that the maintenance grant rises in line with the cost of living, especially for students who are studying independently. That is why this is the second time I’ve announced an increase to maintenance grants since taking office. This means students will have up to £1,072 more in their pockets in September 2023, compared to September 2021.
“I will also continue to work with officers to look at the system as a whole, and consider how we can provide the most fair, targeted support going forwards. Any changes will be designed to offer the same level – or more – financial support. Changes will also be automatically applied to the grant calculation, so I would urge Islanders to apply for Student Finance as soon as they can.”
More information is available online.
