THE availability for the first time of grants to study at British universities is contributing to a significant increase in overseas inquiries by students at this year's Higher Options conference.
Representatives of British colleges attending the opening day of the conference in the RDS, Dublin, yesterday reported a record (number of inquiries from students, particularly in disciplines which require high points for entry in Irish colleges.
Last year, over 4,300 schoolleavers from the Republic entered colleges in the UK, an increase of more than 50 per cent over the previous year. This autumn, a further increase is forecast, in spite of a drop in the numbers taking the Leaving Cert.
The booming market in overseas courses is reflected in the presence of more than 120 British third level colleges at the conference.
Earlier this year, the Minister for Education announced the extension of the grants scheme to recognised courses in England Scotland and Wales. Although few students enrolling in Britain have to pay fees, the availability of maintenance grants of up to £1,600 is proving a big incentive for many school leavers.
The broader European dimension to higher education is represented by the European Commission, which is providing information on study opportunities throughout the EU, as well as the Arnhem Business School from the Netherlands.
More than 4,090 pupils and their teachers attended the Higher Options conference yesterday, and similar numbers are expected to attend today and tomorrow. All the daytime sessions are sold out, but tickets for this evening's session are available at the RDS for parents, mature students and guidance counsellors. The session lasts from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and admission costs £4.
Higher Options, now in its 10th year, is organised jointly by The Irish Times and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
