About

NUS-USI is your national union representing all university and college students in Northern Ireland.

It's unique.  Established in 1972 to promote student unity across the sectarian divide, NUS-USI is one of the first organisations in Northern Ireland set up to work on both an all-Ireland and all–UK basis.

Being part of NUS-USI means that students’ unions here take part in the democracy of the National Union of Students UK (NUS) and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), as well as forming their own authentic voice and campaigns through the Northern Ireland based NUS-USI.  

It recognises something that the student movement has at its core – that we’re better off when we work together.    

We represent and campaign for over 130,000 students and apprentices in Northern Ireland across further and higher education.  

Since 2022 working together with students’ unions and students we had some BIG WINS for students.

In Northern Ireland we've won:

  • Over £100 million for students with over 60% increase in maintenance loans
  • Extra £3.8m into hardship funds
  • Transport discount with ylink card increased from 1/3 to 50% off
  • Supported Assembly motion on Votes at 16
  • Launched our Cost of Living Report
  • Continue to lobby & be the student voice at Stormont

In the UK, as part of NUS we have:

  • Ran the biggest voter registration campaign ahead of the General Elections with 1.6m new young people registered to vote & 20,000 free voter IDs given away
  • Won 20% increase in the apprentice living wage
  • We saved the graduate route visa
  • 80,000+ supporters took campaign actions

In Ireland, as part of USI we have:

  • Won Irish Government funding Erasmus for NI students worth €2 million

 

What does it really mean to be a member of NUS-USI?  

  • Your students’ union gets a say in electing NUS-USI’s president, the NUS UK officers and the USI officer board. These influential student representatives are responsible for leading nationwide campaigns to change students’ lives.  
  • Member students’ unions have multiple opportunities throughout the year to hold officers to account and shape the campaigns they are running.   
  • Students and student representatives at member students’ unions have the chance to attend our national democracy events, and USI Congress, as well as accessing training and liberation activist networks.   
  • By being part of the only national students’ union in Northern Ireland you have your voice represented at Stormont.