Higher education

The Department for the Economy (DfE) is responsible for providing funding and setting the strategic direction for the higher education sector in Northern Ireland.

However, the universities are autonomous institutions and are responsible for setting their own policies and procedures.

Unlike other parts of the UK, Northern Ireland has no higher education funding council; the Department fulfils the roles of both a government department and a funding council.

Information on who delivers higher education (i.e. Level 6 and above) in Northern Ireland

How and when you apply for higher education depends on where you wish to study and what type of course you’re applying for. Whichever route you use, it’s worth starting your preparations early. Further information is available in this section.

The Department is responsible for supporting the HE sector in maintaining and improving the quality of the teaching and learning environment, with particular focus on contributing to a positive student experience. Further information is available in this section.

A key aim of the department is to develop and sustain a Higher Education Research sector that holds a strong position within the UK and beyond and makes a major contribution to economic and social well-being.

The Department is initiating a review of Higher Education Funding in Northern Ireland, engaging with Northern Ireland's Higher Education Sector to ensure the views of all stakeholders are considered, with the aim of identifying a sustainable funding model capable of delivering transformational and generational benefits. Further information is available in this section.

The Department is committed to increasing participation among under represented groups, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities. Further information is available in this section.

The Magee Taskforce was launched March 2024, to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s Magee campus in Derry~Londonderry to 10,000 students. Visit this section for further information.

Information on the collection, validation and quality assurance of higher education (HE) data and statistics, and the quality guidance used in managing the production of HE statistics.

The Department is responsible for higher education student finance policy in Northern Ireland, including the drafting of annual legislation which underpins the award of student finance to Northern Ireland students, regardless of where they are studying.

Student support is delivered to Northern Ireland students by the Student Loans Company and the Education Authority under the banner Student Finance NI.

Study USA is the Department’s flagship outward mobility programme, offering full-time Further Education and Higher Education undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in a funded scholarship to spend a full academic year at a US university or college.