Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
743. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if grant assistance is available to part-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53516/25]
View answerThe main form of financial assistance available to higher education students is the Student Grant Scheme which is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
My Department does however recognise the need to offer support for more flexible forms of learning and last year, for the first time, a new Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses was introduced to provide fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This includes specified in person and blended/hybrid courses. Its aim is to provide additional flexibility in respect of course provision to students who are socio-economically disadvantaged. Details of eligible courses are available on SUSI's website. Students interested in these courses should contact the college involved for more details.
Fully Online and Distance Learning Courses do not qualify for grant assistance under the Student Grant Scheme or the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme.
However, Springboard+ co funded by the Government and the European Union, established in 2011 continues to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education by offering flexible, work focused learning opportunities to adult learners across the country. Aligned with national skills priorities, Springboard+ supports individuals to upskill or reskill in high-demand areas such as ICT, cybersecurity and sustainability. Springboard+ is free or heavily subsidised and offered in a flexible format (part-time, blended, and online) making higher education more accessible to all.
My Department is committed to supporting flexible forms of learning, and will keep the policies surrounding support for part-time students under review.
I am conscious that not all students are eligible for free fees or other supports such as SUSI grants. Students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) which assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Students in need of support should contact the Access Office in the Higher Education Institution they attend to see what supports may be available.
