12th March, 2008

Students hoping to study abroad but worried about the cost could benefit from a new grants programme launched by Northern Bank.

The Northern Bank Study Travel Fund will distribute 20 grants of £1,000 each for students who have been accepted to study abroad for a semester as part of their undergraduate degree course during the academic year 2008-2009. Grants will be allocated on a lottery basis.

Developed in consultation with Queen’s University of Belfast, Stranmillis University College and the University of Ulster, the programme is open to students over the age of 20 and studying at any university in the UK or Republic of Ireland. All students with a home address in Northern Ireland, regardless of where they are studying, can apply.

Rosamond Bennett, Northern Bank’s Head of Communications, said: “Following consultation with the local universities, we have launched the Northern Bank Study Travel Fund to meet a gap in provision in Northern Ireland. The financial pressure of being a student can discourage many from considering the option of spending time overseas.

“This is a unique programme that we hope will give students the opportunity to apply to study abroad, to expand their horizons and hopefully bring back to Northern Ireland the valuable knowledge and experience they gain. Knowledge is a core theme within our community strategy and this programme represents a significant commitment within this.”

The concept for Northern Bank Study Travel Fund is a Danske Bank initiative and is the latest addition to the range of innovative community initiatives developed under Danske Bank.

Grants will be distributed in July 2008 and are dependent on students being successful in their application to study abroad and passing their end of year exams.

Full details and application forms are available from all 94 Northern Bank branches. The closing date is 27 June 2008.

ENDS