Students Win Prestigious Scholarships

A group of local students were celebrating this week when the NI Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry hosted a reception to congratulate the 75 Northern Ireland winners of the All Ireland Scholarship Scheme.

The annual scholarships, funded by businessman JP McManus, and now in their third year, provide financial assistance to top-performing students from low-income households who intend to take up a full-time undergraduate degree course.

The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum, equating to a maximum of £22,000 for a four-year course.

As tuition fees and the overall cost of university education remains in the spotlight, he congratulated the bursary recipients at Belfast Metropolitan College.

"In an increasingly competitive global economy it is important that all young people have the opportunity to access the best that our Higher Education systems can provide.

"These scholarships recognise academic achievement and enable high achieving students from schools and Further Education colleges across Northern Ireland to have the opportunity to access third level education," the Alliance politician said.

"The scheme also supports my Department's widening participation vision which is that we can continue to ensure access to higher education of students from all backgrounds. We cannot afford to lose out on undeveloped talent," he said.

"The vision and practical support of people like JP McManus from the world of business shows that philanthropy can make a real difference to the lives of students looking to gain all the benefits from higher education."

Since the beginning of the scheme, Northern Ireland students have received over half a million pounds in bursary support.

Also commenting the NI Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "I want to congratulate all the recipients of this year's awards.

"These scholarships offer the opportunity of third level education to young people who may previously not have had that option and will enable them to continue on their chosen career paths.

"In these difficult economic times, the work of moulding and nurturing our young people has never been more important. Education is the fundamental building block in producing a generation that is best prepared to deal with the many challenges that lie ahead," continued the Sinn Fein politician.

"I wish the students receiving their awards today every success for the future. I would also like to thank JP McManus and his Charitable Foundation for having the vision and foresight to invest in these young people and through them the wider community."

Twenty-five third level scholarships are awarded each year in Northern Ireland.

In 2011/12, 19 scholarships will be made available to students from Post Primary Schools and six Scholarships to students from Further Education Colleges.

(BMcC/CD))