Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
742. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of additional students who qualified for SUSI assistance following the increase in income level thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53515/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2025 saw a significant increase in income thresholds effective from 1st September 2025:
• The special rate of Maintenance Threshold increased from €26,200 to €27,400 in line with Social Welfare Increases.
• All standard rate Maintenance Thresholds, the Part-Time Fee Scheme threshold and the Student Contribution Thresholds increased by 15%;
• The Postgraduate Student Contribution threshold increased to a similar level as 100% Student Contribution (16.4%).
These changes mean that some students already receiving Maintenance Grants or Student Contribution Grants may now be eligible to receive a better rate and students who previously did not qualify for a grant may now be eligible under the revised thresholds.
As of 5th October 2025, over 104,000 applications (full and part time) have been received, which is an increase of 8,000 from the same time last year. 76,717 students have been awarded grants which is an increase of c3,700 year-on-year. These figures are subject to change as processing is ongoing. SUSI is on track to receive at least 110,000 applications for 2025/26 academic year.
Other Budget 2025 measures may have also contributed to this increase in numbers - measures such as
• an increase to the income deduction for student earnings outside of term time from €7,925 to €8,424 effective for the 2025/26 academic year.
• an expansion of the eligibility criteria to allow students who have certain immigration permissions to apply for grants.
