Higher education

The Department for the Economy provides funding and sets 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.

Information on the funding of HE providers in NI and the various types of financial support (including student loans and grants) available for students.

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.

Information on the Review of Higher Education Funding in Northern Ireland.

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 by then-Minister Murphy on 22 March 2024, to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s Magee campus in Derry~Londonderry to 10,000 students.

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 Higher Education Research Capital (HERC) fund is comprised of matched funding from the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), and the Department for the Economy (NI).

Knowledge Exchange is the process through which universities and colleges share their research, expertise, skills and facilities with businesses, public bodies, charities and communities to create economic and social benefits. Knowledge Exchange helps translate research into practical solutions, supports innovation, improves productivity and strengthens collaboration between academia and external partners across Northern Ireland.

The Department is currently providing funding for Northern Ireland universities to participate in the US-Ireland Research and Development (R&D) Partnership.

As part of the UK's dual support system for publicly funded research, Quality-related Research (QR) funding provides flexible institutional funding to support research capability, capacity and excellence. In Northern Ireland, QR is DfE's principal mechanism for providing recurrent research funding to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).