Minister Harris announces significantly improved student supports to take effect from new academic year
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe: 4 Aibreán 2024
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today encouraged students to apply for improved student supports.
SUSI has now opened for applications for student grant funding for the 2024/25 academic year.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“I am delighted to announce these really important improvements for students and families.
“During my time as Minister for Further and Higher Education, I have been determined to reduce the cost of education and today’s announcements are another significant step in that direction.
“We know the cost of going to college can be very difficult for families and every year, we have been making important changes to help students.
“These will take effect from September. Please log on to www.susi.ie and find out if you are eligible.”
Budget 2024 provided significant improvements to existing supports under the Student Grant Scheme. From September 2024 eligible students will benefit from:
- an increase to grant rates by up to €615
- an increase in the income threshold for a 100% Student Contribution grant from €50,840 to €55,924 meaning no student in this income bracket will have to pay a student contribution
- an increase in the income threshold for a Band 4 maintenance grant from €46,790 to €50,840 meaning greater supports for this group
To reflect increases to the old age pension and the national minimum wage, the income threshold to qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant has also increased from €25,000 to €26,200 and there has been an increase to the income deduction for student earnings outside of term time from €6,552 to €7,925 effective for the 2024/25 academic year.
SUSI is open for new applications from today, 4 April 2024. Students should check out SUSI’s website to make an application.
Notes
Students planning on attending further or higher education in the next academic year, should log on to www.susi.ie and check out the Eligibility Indicator. This is a quick and easy way to see if you might be eligible for funding.
Students do not need to have their Leaving Cert results or to have accepted a course to apply. They can simply supply the details of the course they hope to study and update their course choice online at a later date.
Students who received funding in the 2023/24 academic year and are progressing to the next year of the course must submit a renewal application.
Students are advised to apply early as a high number of applications are expected over the coming months.
SUSI aims to have a decision with as many applicants as possible before the start of the new academic year and applications received on or before the priority processing dates will receive priority assessment. The priority processing dates are 6 June 2024 for renewal applications and 11 July 2024 for new applications.