SDLP have released their party manifesto for the General Election.

Politics affects all of us, but sometimes manifestos can be hard to understand. That's why we will be breaking down what the major parties' manifestos say about the issues that matter to students.  We've had a look at the policies most relevant to students, apprentices and young people.

UUP have released their party manifesto for the General Election.

Politics affects all of us, but sometimes manifestos can be hard to understand. That's why we will be breaking down what the major parties' manifestos say about the issues that matter to students.  We've had a look at the policies most relevant to students, apprentices and young people.

DUP have released their party manifesto for the General Election.

Politics affects all of us, but sometimes manifestos can be hard to understand. That's why we will be breaking down what the major parties' manifestos say about the issues that matter to students.  We've had a look at the policies most relevant to students, apprentices and young people.

Alliance have released their party manifesto for the General Election.

Politics affects all of us, but sometimes manifestos can be hard to understand. That's why we will be breaking down what the major parties' manifestos say about the issues that matter to students.  We've had a look at the policies most relevant to students, apprentices and young people.

Sinn Féin have released their party manifesto for the General Election.

Politics affects all of us, but sometimes manifestos can be hard to understand. That's why we will be breaking down what the major parties' manifestos say about the issues that matter to students.  We've had a look at the policies most relevant to students, apprentices and young people.

NUS-USI welcomes the Economy Minister’s announcement that an additional £1 million of financial hardship funding has been allocated to universities for distribution to students across Northern Ireland.

NUS-USI welcomes comments from Economy Minister Conor Murphy MLA on BBC The View about the importance of widening access to education. The minister rightly acknowledged that rising costs would risk making access to education and skills beyond reach for many.

The urgent focus should be on addressing the root causes of student poverty. Skyrocketing rents and the inflated cost of living are increasing the already high levels of student poverty.

We look forward to engaging with the Economy Minister so we can work together to end student poverty and create an accessible, lifelong education system.

NUS-USI President Chloe Ferguson has issued a statement following the news that the Northern Ireland Assembly is to be restored:

"We welcome the reestablishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly and look forward to seeing politicians getting back to work to deliver for our society.  After a 23 month-long period of political limbo during the worst cost of living crisis our young people have ever seen it has never been more critical for all political parties to come together to ensure the future of NI thrives not just survives.  

NUS-USI has said that proposed cuts to higher and further education are set to undermine progress on widening participation and result in an exodus of young people from universities and colleges as learning becomes an “unaffordable luxury” for thousands of students in Northern Ireland.

There are local council elections coming up on 18th May 2023 and we have made a mini manifesto for students from our Cost of Survival Report calling on candidates to use their powers if elected to stand up for students in their council area. 

It is also really important you get out and vote in these upcoming elections. 

Why? Our future will be built by the students and young people of today. But only if they are heard. Voting gives power, influence, and a stake in society.  

When politicians make decisions, they look at who is on the electoral register and who votes. So it is crucial that all young people and students are registered to vote. Register by Friday 28th April.  

You need to show Photo ID to vote in Northern Ireland, more on the rules around it here.  

Don’t have Photo ID? NUS have teamed up with CitizenCard to offer students a free voter ID with the code NUS or click on this link.  

You can use the card to prove your age and identity - enter pubs, clubs, take domestic flights, use as Voter ID and buy age-restricted goods in shops.