From Monday, 3 April 2017 the SUSI student grants reopens. The demand is expected to be high, particularly as maintenance grants for postgraduate students have been made available.
Students in the lowest income category can apply for the postgraduate maintenance grant, worth almost €6,000. In 2012, the government stopped funding for postgrad maintenance grants.
This is part of a scheme to help disadvantaged students. Grants are also on offer for lone parents and Travellers.
€380 million in student grants available
Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) administers the student grant scheme. SUSI will provide €380 million in student grants. These will benefit more than 80,000 students.
Another key change is the “Second Chance” provision. Mature students who attended but did not complete an approved course will be able to apply for a grant as new student. However, the student must have had a five-year break in studying to be eligible.
Breaking the cycles of disadvantage
Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton said third-level education “has a unique capacity to break down the cycles of disadvantage”.
“I would encourage students who think they might be eligible for support to submit their online applications to SUSI as soon as possible to ensure that they are processed as quickly as possible.”
The closing dates for the 2017/18 student grant scheme are July 13th for new applicants and June 15th for renewal students.
