Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
1132. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
Under Articles 15(6) and (7) of the Student Grant Scheme 2025, a student must be moving from year to year within a course having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course. A grant will not be paid to a student for a repeat period of study on the same course, or for a different course at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. However, once an equivalent period of study has been completed on the new course, the student may be eligible for student grant assistance for the remainder of the course.
Under Article 15(8), the awarding authority has discretion to award a grant for a repeat period of study in exceptional circumstances in line with guidelines drawn up by the Minister.
Chapter 1 of the 2025 Scheme Guidelines states: Exceptional circumstances may arise which could impact on a student completing a particular period of study or undertaking exams. It will be necessary, therefore, for an awarding authority to treat each application for repeat funding on a case by case basis.
Based on the information provided, the student referred to by the Deputy was registered on a previous course for Semester 1 in 2024 and January 2025 in the 2024/25 academic year. Assessment of funding for 2025/26 would include consideration of the student's previous registration in the 2024/25 academic year, and they would have to complete a repeat period of study of one semester and one month before being eligible for consideration of funding.
It has not been possible to provide a more detailed response as the student’s details (student name and SUSI application number) were not provided. If the Deputy provides those details, we will furnish a more detailed response.
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
