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Laois students set to benefit from changes to fees which will ‘reduce costs for them and their families’

Applications for new student supports have opened and Laois TD Sean Fleming says that they will reduce the costs associated with attending college.

According to the Fianna Fail TD, a number of improvements to reduce the cost of attending third-level institutions for students and their families, for the coming academic year, have been introduced.

There will be a reduction in the contribution fee of €1,500 for families earning between €55,240 to €62,000.

There will also be a reduction of €500 in the contribution fee for eligible households earning between €62,000 and €100,000.

Deputy Fleming said: “Up to 50,000 undergraduates could receive support under the Student Grant Scheme for the first time as a result of the widening of these income limits.

“We are committed to building a world class education system and tackling inequality in access to education, based on a person’s economic background.

“These new changes will allow more students to avail of the grants supports.

“This will help as part of a reduction of costs for those going to college and follows up to 14% increases in the maintenance grant in January.

“A new higher income limit of €62,000 could see half the student contribution fee paid on behalf of students under this income level.

“Students can now earn up to €6,552, outside of their term time, without affecting their means assessment for the student grant.

“The student grant system is now open. I encourage all current undergraduate students, and those planning to go to college in September, to visit susi.ie and apply now.”

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