New Student Supports in 2023/24 Student Grant Scheme

Applications for the student grant scheme for the 2023/24 academic year is now open.

This year’s scheme includes important improvements for students. The changes, introduced in Budget 2023, will take effect in September.

They include reductions:

in the contribution fee of €1,500 for families earning €55,240 to €62,000
of €500 in the contribution fee for eligible households earning between €62,000 and €100,000

These changes mean that up to 50,000 undergraduates could receive support under the Student Grant Scheme for the first time.

Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science & Justice, Simon Harris said:

“We are working hard to reduce the cost of going to college for students and their families.

“That’s why we have brought in important changes for the coming academic year so that more people can avail of the supports available.

“One of these changes means students from households earning between €62,000 and €100,000 can now apply for a €500 grant towards their student contribution fee.

“And there is a new, higher income limit of €62,000 which could see half the student contribution fee paid on their behalf.

“This comes on the back of significant increases to the maintenance grant introduced in January.

“It is really important students and their families know they must apply for these important changes.

“I would encourage current undergraduate students, and those considering going to college in September, to go to susi.ie to apply for these new supports.

“I believe these changes will deliver much-needed assistance to students and families across the country.”

Students in the 2023/24 academic year will also see the full benefit of increases to the maintenance grants announced in Budget 2023. From 1 January 2023, the Special and Band 1 maintenance grant rates increased by 14% and all the other maintenance grant rates increased by 10%.

The increase in student earnings outside of term time from €4,500 to €6,552 will also come into effect for the 2023/24 academic year and there will be a reduction in the eligibility period from 5 years to 3 for second chance mature students who did not complete a course and are returning to college to pursue an approved course at PLC, undergraduate or postgraduate level.