Education Grants & Financial Support
Comprehensive guide to funding options for students at all levels in Ireland
Overview of Education Funding in Ireland
The Irish government offers various financial support schemes to help students and families with education costs at all levels. Eligibility for many grants depends on residency status, income thresholds, and course selection. This guide covers the most significant funding options currently available.
Latest Update: In response to the rising cost of living, the Irish government has increased funding for education grants, with higher income thresholds and maintenance grant rates compared to previous years.
Higher Education Grants
SUSI Grant (Student Universal Support Ireland)
The main source of financial assistance for students attending higher education courses. SUSI offers two main types of grants:
Maintenance Grant
Monthly payments to help with living costs, available to eligible students at different rates depending on family income and distance from college.
- • Special Rate: €7,200 per year
- • Adjacent Rate (less than 45km): €1,850 - €3,700 per year
- • Non-Adjacent Rate (45km+): €3,700 - €6,100 per year
Fee Grant
Covers all or part of the student contribution (currently €3,500) or tuition fees.
- • Full fee grant: 100% of student contribution
- • Partial fee grants: 50% or 75% of student contribution
- • Postgraduate fee contribution: Up to €7,000
Eligibility Criteria
- •Residency: Irish, EU/EEA, Swiss nationals, or those with specific immigration status (refugee, subsidiary protection). Must have been resident in Ireland/EU/EEA/Switzerland for 3 of the last 5 years.
- •Income Thresholds: Family income below €70,000 (for full contribution) or €100,000 (for partial fees) depending on family size and circumstances.
- •Course Requirements: Must be attending an approved full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course.
- •Previous Education: Generally must be progressing in education level (with some exceptions).
Application Deadline: Early applications open in March each year. Priority deadline for complete applications is typically July, with late applications accepted until November.
1916 Bursary Fund
Financial support for students from underrepresented groups in higher education who have significant financial disadvantage.
Bursary Amount
€5,000 per academic year (does not affect SUSI or other social welfare payments)
Target Groups
- • Socio-economically disadvantaged students
- • Lone parents
- • Ethnic minorities
- • Travelers
- • Students with disabilities
- • First-time mature students
Applications are made directly through the higher education institution you are attending or plan to attend. Each institution has a limited number of bursaries to award.
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