The Student Grant Scheme is the main financial grant scheme for students studying in Ireland and also abroad. It is also known as the SUSI grant because the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is the awarding authority for the scheme.
There are two types of grants available
- Maintenance grants
- Fee grants
Maintenance grants help students with their living costs. Fee grants pay tuition fees for the students who do not qualify for the “Free Fee Scheme”. Fee grants can also pay the Student Contribution and the cost of essential field trips.
If you are accepted for the maintenance grant, you will also get the fee grant. Some people only qualify for a fee grant.
How do you qualify for a SUSI Grant?
In order to qualify for a student grant, you must meet all the conditions of the scheme. These include:
- Nationality condition
- Residence condition
- Means test
- Approved course of study – you must be attending an approved course of study
- Progression – you must be progressing from your previous level of study
- Maximum period of grant assistance
How much do you get for the SUSI Grant?
The SUSI grant that you get depends on the following factors:
- Your assessed means
- The distance you normally live from the college you are going to attend
- If you are a disadvantaged student
When is the closing date for new SUSI Grant Applications?
The closing date for new Applications for SUSI grants for the 2023-2024 academic year is 6th July.
Are there any changes to this year’s grant?
There are some changes to the grant scheme for the upcoming academic year.
Budget 2023 has resulted in an increase in the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for the 50% student contribution grant.
There is also a new student contribution grant of €500 for people on incomes between €62,000 and €100,000.
The postgraduate fee contribution grant has been increased by €500 from €3,500 to €4,000, and eligibility for mature students will be reduced from five to three years.
The updated grant scheme also excludes rental income earned under Rent-a Room Relief Scheme from reckonable income, as well as an increase in the amount of holiday earnings which may be deducted from the total household income from €4,500 to €6,552.
It is important the applications are submitted on time to avoid late decisions.
More information including Income limits can be found here
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third-level-education/fees-and-supports-for-third-level-education/student-grant-scheme/: What is the SUSI Grant?
