Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
896. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the options available to a person (details supplied) to allow them to complete their education course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51667/26]
View answerThe main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme which is administered by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.
An official from my Department has advised that the student referred to by the Deputy submitted an application to SUSI for student grant funding via the International Protection Student Scheme on 10 June 2026. SUSI issued a letter to the student on 12 June 2026 requesting a number of documents relating to their application.
The student submitted these documents to SUSI on 1 July 2026, and they are currently queued for review by SUSI’s assessment team. The applicant will be informed of any decision on their application for student grant funding in due course.
In terms of other supports available, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students can apply for the SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs, medical costs and books/class materials. This Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie
I trust this clarifies the situation and I wish the student well in their studies.
