Students will receive increased help with the cost of higher education from September 2026 after Tynwald approved updated student awards regulations this week.
The changes, introduced by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC), are designed to reflect rising living costs and the growing number of students studying part-time or through distance learning.
The new system aims to be simpler, fairer and easier to access, and will apply to students studying in the UK, overseas and on recognised higher education courses at University College Isle of Man.
Grants Boost
Under the new rules, families earning up to £90,000 will be eligible for maintenance support, with full grant limits rising by 41% to £30,388.
Study grants will increase to £8,500 for UK-based students and £9,000 for those studying in London or further afield. Disability support will also rise significantly, including higher allowances for non-medical helpers and specialist equipment.
Distance and part-time learners will benefit from the same income thresholds as full-time students, while tuition fee support will be adjusted to include a £6,000 grant alongside the option to borrow up to £3,535.
Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: “We want to make sure our students can get the support they need to reach their goals, whether that’s at university, college, or through flexible learning at UCM or further afield.”
