Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
916. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the financial supports available to mature students returning to higher education for a postgraduate degree; to examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46904/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 applicant submitted an application to SUSI for the 2026/2027 academic year on 10 June 2026. The application is currently queued for assessment and the applicant will be informed of any decision on their application in due course.
In relation to Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), this is a matter for the Department of Social Protection. It would be advisable for the student contact their local Intreo office in this regard to the BTEA payment.
