Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2025
710. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports to be provided to graduate medicine students who receive no SUSI grant, no Government support, and no access to student loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67819/25]
View answerMy Department provides support for broadening access to Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programmes through the part-subsidisation of fees for EU students. This subsidy is paid directly to the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) via the Higher Education Authority, with the balance of the fee payable by the student.
Graduate Entry Medicine is an accelerated four-year programme designed for individuals who already hold a primary degree and wish to pursue a medical career. As GEM constitutes a second degree, students are not eligible for support under the Free Fees Initiative or the Student Grant Scheme, in line with progression criteria that apply across the higher education system.
In terms of existing supports, a number of measures are already in place to improve affordability and access for GEM students. Under the National Access Plan, socioeconomically disadvantaged students who hold access bursaries may now retain these supports should they progress to a GEM programme. This represents a significant step in supporting diversity within the medical profession.
GEM students can also apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF), which provides financial help to students experiencing hardship. Supports may cover costs such as rent, childcare, transport and academic materials. Applications are made through the Access Office of each institution.
Students may also avail of tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees paid for approved courses where eligible, and the rent tax credit may also apply. Further information is available from the Revenue Commissioners.
As autonomous bodies, HEIs set their own fee levels for GEM programmes. However, the subsidy provided by my Department ensures that EU students can access GEM places at significantly lower fee levels than would otherwise be required to deliver these programmes.
For the 2024/25 academic year, the subsidy provided per EU GEM student was:
€16,250• per student for the additional places created under the 2022 expansion of medical places; and
€14,220• per student for pre-existing places.
The subsidy for pre-existing places will continue to increase annually up to 2029, when it will align fully with the rate applying to new places. In total, €13,001,140 in tuition fee subsidies was paid for GEM students in 2024/25.
Student supports, including the Student Grant Scheme, are reviewed annually as part of the wider budgetary process, which must balance a broad range of competing demands and resource constraints across Government. I am working with my officials to examine these supports. I remain committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that access to Graduate Entry Medicine is improved and that financial barriers are reduced wherever possible.
