Jersey Government to Raise University Grant Eligibility Threshold

The education minister has confirmed that beginning in 2025, an increased number of families will qualify for the most substantial government grant intended to assist with university living expenses. Presently, families with an annual income below £50,000 are eligible to claim full maintenance grants; this income cap has not been adjusted since 2018, notwithstanding inflationary pressures. This announcement follows a statement from a Jersey parent who expressed concern that her child might need to resort to a university food bank due to the inadequacy of their government grant to cover all living costs. Deputy Rob Ward stated that the eligibility threshold is set to rise by 5.2% starting September 2025, provided that politicians approve this measure within the government’s budget, which is scheduled for decision in November. Mr Ward also mentioned that the thresholds were “determined by reference to the average incomes in Jersey” and would undergo an annual review. The Jersey Student Loan Support group commented that this adjustment represents “a start towards fixing the threshold” but indicated that it is “still short by over 31% of where it ought to be”.