As the Deputy is aware, the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.
Up until the 2024/25 academic year, there was no fee support for students undertaking part-time courses. In recognition of the importance of flexible learning pathways, the Department introduced a new Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses in 2024. This scheme provides fee support to eligible part-time students enrolled in specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. It applies to both in-person and blended/hybrid courses and is designed to enhance access to higher education for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Student part-time Fee Regulations for Specified Undergraduate Courses 2025 lists a set number of part-time courses. The applicant's chosen course does not appear on this list in the Regulations as it comprises 60 credits.
Officials in my Department have advised that the applicant’s chosen course is the 6-year part time Level 7 Human Resource Management course in Munster Technological University, Bishopstown. The applicant was initially awarded a Part-time Fee Contribution grant and was advised of this by letter dated 16 July 2025.
Subsequently, the applicant’s higher education institution advised the awarding authority SUSI that the applicant was registered to study 60 credits. On this basis, the applicant was not deemed to be considered as a part-time student and as per letter dated 25 November 2025, the application was refused.
As of today’s date, no request for Internal Review or Appeal has been received by SUSI.
The Department is committed to supporting flexible forms of learning and will keep the policies surrounding support for part-time students under review. However, any future expansion of the parameters of the scheme can only be considered in the context of the budgetary allocation, having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the further and higher education sector.
Students on part-time undergraduate programmes may also be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners website: www.revenue.ie.
