Press release
Minister Harris signs regulations to improve student grant scheme
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today (Thursday, 10 March) signed regulations to increase student grants for the new academic year.
The changes, introduced in Budget 2022, will see:
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
"I’m delighted today to sign these regulations, which will deliver much-needed assistance to students and families across the country.
"The €200 increase in the maintenance grant will offer direct financial assistance to over 62,000 students, and increasing the eligibility cut off point by €1,000 will ensure even more students qualify, and more families can access support.
"Reducing the distance for the higher non-adjacent student grant also means more students who are living away from home or travelling to college will qualify for the higher grant. This will make a substantial difference to many people.
"These are real and tangible changes which will help students and families, and they are in line with the forthcoming Review of the Student Grant Scheme, which will be brought to Government in the coming weeks."
The student grant system opens from today (10 March) for renewals, and will open for new applications on 28 April.
The scheme is reviewed each year to identify issues that need to be addressed and implement budgetary changes.
Minister Harris said:
"We will continue to make changes to assist students. For any student experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund and I would encourage students to contact their access offices to avail of these funds."
The changes will also see students from the Atlantic Technological University and the South East Technological University (SETU) benefit, subject to establishment.
For more information, visit https://susi.ie/