A Galway Senator has said that changes made to the SUSI grant scheme will result in “significant improvements” for third level students.
Applications are now open for people in, or going into, third level education in
There have been a number of changes made to qualifying criteria for the elements of the grant scheme, and the money available this year.
The income thresholds for grant payments have been increased by €1,000 this year. The deduction of €4,500 maximum earned outside of term-time remains unchanged.
The annual maintenance grant is going up by €200, and the qualifying distance for the higher ‘non-adjacent’ maintenance rate is decreasing from 45km to 30km.
“These changes to student supports will make a difference to students and their families tackling the costs of going to college,” Senator Aisling Dolan said.
Senator Dolan said that the reduced distance to qualify for the higher maintenance grant will make a “substantial difference” for many living in Galway.
She added, that these measures are “real and tangible changes which will help students and families”, and are in line with the review of SUSI which is due before the government in the coming months.
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD said, “We will continue to make changes to assist students.”
“We strongly believe there is a need to reduce the cost of education for families and we are working with Government colleagues to outline our priorities on how we can help people with these significant costs.”
The Minister also advised students experiencing difficulties to make use of the Student Assistance Fund through their college access office.
