Minister Lawless announces major expansion of Student Grant Supports as SUSI opens for 2026/27 applications
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 1 April 2026
- Last updated on: 1 April 2026
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has today announced a significant expansion of student financial supports as Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) opens for applications for the 2026/27 academic year.
Minister Lawless encouraged students and families to check their eligibility early, noting that ensuring college remains affordable for households across the country continues to be a key Government priority.
Minister Lawless said:
“Every year, I meet students and families who tell me how challenging the cost of college can be. I’m very conscious of that, and these changes are about easing that pressure and making sure cost isn’t the thing that stops someone pursuing their education.”
The Minister highlighted that students are already benefitting from several enhancements introduced this academic year, with further improvements taking effect from September.
“I know that rent, travel and everyday expenses can add up fast. That’s why I have widened the grant thresholds and increased non‑adjacent maintenance rates - doing everything we can to ease the pressure on families when it comes to college costs.”
He continued.
“In addition to strengthening the Student Grant Scheme, I have permanently reduced the student contribution fee by €500. This means that eligible undergraduate students from households earning up to €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge from 2026/27.”
The Minister encouraged students to act promptly.
“These improvements take effect from September. I’d urge people to check their eligibility on www.susi.ie and, if they’re eligible, to get their application in early”.
Applications have also opened for the Part‑Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses for 2026/27. First launched in 2024, this scheme supports students who are underrepresented in higher education and who need more flexible learning options.
Minister Lawless welcomed the expansion of institutions participating in the scheme.
“I’m delighted to welcome the new Higher Education Institutions joining the Part‑Time Scheme. Not everyone can commit to full‑time study - many people are balancing work, family and other responsibilities. This scheme gives learners real flexibility and real opportunity. As we continue to grow this initiative, the increased course provision shows our commitment to offering students more choice in how they study.”
Budget 2026: Key Improvements Taking Effect from September 2026
Budget 2026 delivered significant enhancements to both the Student Grant Scheme and the Part‑Time Student Grant Scheme. Eligible students will see the following improvements:
Improvements from September 2026 for eligible students will include:
- Increase in the €500 student contribution grant threshold from €115,000 to €120,000
- Increase in the special rate threshold from €27,400 to €28,600
- Permanent €500 reduction in the Student Contribution charge (from €3,000 to €2,500)
- Permanent €500 increase in the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant (from €4,000 to €4,500)
- Increase to all non‑adjacent maintenance rates (for students living 30km or more from their institution)
- Increase to the income disregard for student earnings outside term time (from €8,424 to €8,830)
SUSI is now open for new and renewal applications from today, 1 April 2026, for both the Student Grant Scheme and the Part‑Time Scheme. Students can apply at www.susi.ie.
Notes
Students planning on attending further or higher education in the 2026/27 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 2025/26 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 June 11, 2026, for renewal applications and July 9, 2026 for new applications.
The table at this link outlines the increase in thresholds and Budget 2026 Measures