The government has paid out more than £7 million in student loans in the past five years.

Education Minister Graham Cregeen revealed the figure in Tynwald last week, in reply to a question from Julie Edge (Onchan).

Mr Cregeen said: ’Since 2013, £7,427,000 has been advanced to students, £101,000 has been added in interest and £630,000 has been repaid.

’This leaves an outstanding balance of £6,898,000.’

Of the students who graduated before this year, £270,000 out of £1.1 million has already been repaid.

’Given the repayment terms for these loans, I believe this is a promising start,’ said Mr Cregeen. ’We will be, of course, continuing to monitor it closely.’

In 2013, students were required to make a contribution of £2,500 per annum towards the cost of their tuition fees. This contribution continues to be supported via a loan provided by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture. Repayment and interest on this loan is deferred until graduation. Repayment is also income-dependent.

Ms Edge queried variations in the interest rates charged to various students.

The minister explained: ’Interest is deferred until the June after the student graduates and is currently charged at 5%.

’This will be changed to the Bank of England base rate plus 2% from the forthcoming academic year.’