Minister Lawless announces funding of over €19.3m for the Student Assistance Fund in 2025/26
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, is pleased to announce that he is providing funding of €19,345,417 to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for the 2025/26 academic year. This represents an increase of over €260,000 for the Student Assistance Fund from last year. The increase in funding includes €9.1m of core funding and additional funding of over €10.2m, which will benefit the most vulnerable students, who may be struggling with financial costs associated with attending college.
Minister Lawless said:
“This additional investment in the Student Assistance Fund reflects our ongoing commitment to breaking down the financial barriers that too many students still face. For some, this support is not just helpful, it is essential to staying in college and completing their studies. I want every student to know that help is available, and I strongly encourage anyone experiencing financial pressure to contact their college’s Access Office and find out how the fund can support them.”
The Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to full or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. The Student Assistance Fund is available to help with costs such as books and class materials, rent and other utility bills, food, essential travel, childcare costs and medical costs.
The Minister concluded by saying:
“Supporting students to stay in education is a core priority, and this funding boost is an important part of that commitment. With today’s announcement, the total allocation for the coming academic year will exceed €19.3 million. I want every student who is facing financial pressure to know that help is available, and I will continue to ensure that the SAF has the resources it needs to provide that support.”
Notes
Student Assistance Fund
The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial support to full or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. The Student Assistance Fund is available to help with costs such as books and class materials, rent and other utility bills, food, essential travel, childcare costs and medical costs.
The Higher Education Authority manage SAF on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS). The Higher Education Authority allocates funding annually to Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s).
How to apply
Students on full or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (National Framework of Qualifications level 6-10) in Irish universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply by contacting the Access Officer in the Higher Education Institution they are attending in order to be considered for funding.
Part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups identified in the National Access Plan: A Strategic Action Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education 2022 – 2028 are encouraged to apply as ringfenced funding has been made available to support this group.