Minister Harris announces €1.3 million of extra financial supports to help higher education students with the cost of living
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe: 3 Feabhra 2022
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has today announced additional funding of €1.3 million to students in higher education who are experiencing financial difficulties.
The money will be distributed through the Student Assistance Fund in higher education colleges across the country, which are funded through the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“I am delighted to be in a position to allocate this additional once off funding to support students who find themselves in need of financial supports due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have listened to the voice of students, who have clearly articulated that COVID-19 and the increased cost of living is having a major impact on the financial situation of students and their families.
“If you are a higher education student and you are having difficulties in paying bills, buying food or books or other classroom materials or even having difficulties in covering the cost of childcare as you return to campus, I suggest that you talk to the access office in your higher education institution.
“They will work with you to see if you can be supported financially through the Student Assistance Fund in meeting the costs associated with your day-to-day participation in higher education.”
This additional funding secured by Minister Harris allows for a total of €18.5m to students who find themselves in financial need during the 2021 to 2022 academic year.
The fund is allocated to higher education institutions (HEIs) and has a dual focus. It is designed to:
- support students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds with ongoing needs for financial support
- provide emergency financial assistance for other students
In all cases, HEIs are responsible for targeting the available resources at those students most in need.
About the Student Assistance Fund
The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is managed by the HEA on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The SAF is allocated to HEIs. The SAF has a dual focus and is designed to support students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds with ongoing needs for financial support and provide emergency financial assistance for other students. In all cases, HEIs are responsible for targeting the available resources at those students most in need.
What does the SAF pay for?
The SAF is available to assist students who are unable to meet costs associated with day-to-day participation in higher education, including:
- books and other class material that are required to enable students to continue and participate in teaching and learning or complete examinations
- rent, heating and lighting bills and other utility bills, such as mobile phone data plans, that are required to enable students to continue and participate in teaching and learning or complete examinations
- food
- essential travel
- childcare costs
- medical costs
- family difficulties, such as bereavement
The above list is not exhaustive. Eligible costs are decided on a case-by-case basis by the access office, in line with the scheme guidelines.
Who can apply for the SAF?
The SAF is open to students who are:
- attending a course that leads to a higher education award from level 6 to level 10 of the NFQ
- studying at one of the eligible HEIs listed below
List of eligible HEIs
- Dublin City University
- University College Cork
- University College Dublin
- National University of Ireland, Galway (including Shannon College)
- Maynooth University
- Trinity College Dublin
- University of Limerick
- Technological University Dublin
- Technological University of the Shannon
- Institute of Technology Carlow
- Munster Technological University
- Dundalk Institute of Technology
- Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
- Letterkenny Institute of Technology
- Institute of Technology Sligo
- Waterford Institute of Technology
- Marino Institute of Education
- National College of Art & Design
- National College of Ireland
- Mary Immaculate College
- St Angela's College
- St Patrick’s College Pontifical University of Maynooth
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Services (RCSI)
How does a student apply for the SAF?
An eligible student can apply through the access office in the institution they are attending.