Ó An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today encouraged students to apply for new student supports.
Applications for the student grant scheme for the 2023/24 academic year is now open, and Minister Harris highlighted a number of important improvements for students.
The changes, introduced in Budget 2023, will take effect in September.
They include reductions:
These changes mean that up to 50,000 undergraduates could receive support under the Student Grant Scheme for the first time.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“We are working hard to reduce the cost of going to college for students and their families.
“That’s why we have brought in important changes for the coming academic year so that more people can avail of the supports available.
“One of these changes means students from households earning between €62,000 and €100,000 can now apply for a €500 grant towards their student contribution fee.
“And there is a new, higher income limit of €62,000 which could see half the student contribution fee paid on their behalf.
"This comes on the back of significant increases to the maintenance grant introduced in January.
“It is really important students and their families know they must apply for these important changes.
“I would encourage current undergraduate students, and those considering going to college in September, to go to susi.ie to apply for these new supports.
“I believe these changes will deliver much-needed assistance to students and families across the country.”
Students in the 2023/24 academic year will also see the full benefit of increases to the maintenance grants announced in Budget 2023. From 1 January 2023, the Special and Band 1 maintenance grant rates increased by 14% and all the other maintenance grant rates increased by 10%.
The increase in student earnings outside of term time from €4,500 to €6,552 will also come into effect for the 2023/24 academic year and there will be a reduction in the eligibility period from 5 years to 3 for second chance mature students who did not complete a course and are returning to college to pursue an approved course at PLC, undergraduate or postgraduate level.
The student grant system opened on 9 March for renewal students, who were all contacted by SUSI directly, and on 13 April for new applications.
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 2022/23 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 date will receive priority assessment. The priority processing dates are 8 June 2023 for renewal applications and 6 July 2023 for new applications.