Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan, has confirmed that applications for student grants for the new academic year are now open and changes to the grants will see significant improvements for students.
From September, under the SUSI student support programme :
Speaking today, Senator Dolan said: “These changes to student supports will make a difference to students and their families tackling the costs of going to college.
The €200 increase in the maintenance grant will offer direct financial assistance to over 62,000 students across the country, and increasing the eligibility cut off point by €1,000 will ensure even more students qualify, and more families can access support.
Reducing the distance from 45kms to 30kms for the higher non-adjacent student grant also means more students who are living away from home or travelling to college will qualify for the higher grant. This will make a substantial difference to many people especially here in Galway if travelling daily to universities in Galway including Mountbellew Agricultural College, the new TÚS university in Athlone, or across the country.
The portal is now open for applications on susi.ie and families can also check eligible income thresholds online. Taking the time to supply all information will ensure faster response and the SUSI helpdesk is available on 0818 888 777 or email support@susi.ie.
These are real and tangible changes which will help students and families, and they are in line with the forthcoming Review of the Student Grant Scheme, which will be brought to Government in the coming weeks.
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.
