From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today confirmed all student grant maintenance holders will receive an additional maintenance payment in December.
As part of the Budget 2023 package for students, all maintenance grant recipients will receive an additional maintenance payment on 16 December.
For some students, this will mean an additional €679 before the end of the year.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
"We have taken important steps to address the cost of education for families in Budget 2023.
"This additional student maintenance grant payment will mean more money back in people’s pockets by the end of the year.
"This will benefit almost circa 50,000 students across the country. And effective from January, we will permanently increase maintenance grants by 10-14% ensuring students will receive the help and assistance they need."
In recognition of the cost of living financial challenges, the Minister also announced a once off contribution of €1,000 towards the student contribution paid by each free fees eligible student in academic year 2022/23.
For students, this will reduce the amount payable by free fees eligible students to their institution from €3,000 to €2,000 in academic year 2022/23. No action is required by the student.
Students who paid their 2022/23 student contribution in full will receive a refund from the HEI attended.
The HEIs will inform eligible students this week of the application process for refunds and begin the process of contacting individual students shortly thereafter.
Individual students who are contacted by the HEI will be asked to provide account details to facilitate a refund and to provide those relevant details by 30 November 2022.
Students eligible for a 50% student contribution grant support as paid by SUSI will benefit proportionally and will see the amount they pay to their institution reduce from €1,500 to €1,000.
Minister Harris added:
"These are practical measures to help students and families with the cost of education and the cost-of-living more generally. This is all about ensuring we can help people through the next weeks and months.
"If you have not paid your fee, it will be knocked off your bill and if you have, your college will be in touch to ensure you get your money back."