16. In regulation 126—
(a)in paragraph (3), after the words “qualifies for assistance” insert “ in respect of a course (other than a distance learning course)”;
(b)after paragraph (3) insert—
“(3A) Where an eligible part-time student is undertaking a part-time distance learning course, the student does not qualify for support under this regulation in respect of that course unless the Department considers that the student is undertaking the course in Northern Ireland on the first day of the first academic year.
(3B) A student qualifying for support under this regulation in respect of a part-time distance learning course will no longer qualify support in respect of that course if the Department considers that the student is undertaking the course outside the United Kingdom.”.