Regulations signed to improve Student Grant Scheme
THE Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has signed regulations to increase student grants for the new academic year.
The changes, introduced in Budget 2022, will see:
- Maintenance grants increase by €200
- The income threshold for the standard rate of grant increase by €1,000
- The distance for the higher non-adjacent student grant will be reduced from 45km to 30km.
Said Deputy Alan Dillon: “I want to commend Minister Harris who has prioritised these changes for the 2022/23 academic year, which will deliver much-needed assistance to students and families across the country.
"The €200 increase in the maintenance grant will offer direct financial assistance to over 62,000 students, and increasing the eligibility cut off point by €1,000 will ensure even more students qualify, and more families can access support.
“Reducing the distance for the higher non-adjacent student grant also means more students who are living away from home or travelling to college will qualify for the higher grant. This will make a substantial difference to many people.”
He added: “These are real and tangible changes which will help students and families, and they are in line with the forthcoming Independent Review of the Student Grant Scheme, which will be brought to Government in the coming weeks.”
The student grant system opens from today (March 10) for renewals and will open for new applications on April 28.
The scheme is reviewed each year to identify issues that need to be addressed and implement budgetary changes.
Said Deputy Dillon: “I have work closely with Minister Harris to advocate for changes to assist students. For any student experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund and I would encourage students to contact their access offices to avail of these funds.
“The changes will also see students from the newly established Atlantic Technological University (ATU) benefit.”