Many students, and their parents, believe it’s too late to apply for the SUSI student grant once the college year has started.
But the good news is it’s not too late at all. Applications for SUSI remain open, and recent changes in the Budget mean more students than ever before are eligible for financial support.
What is SUSI?
The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant is the main financial assistance scheme for students in Ireland.
The grant offers funding to eligible students in approved courses at PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Ireland and in some cases, to students studying in the UK or EU.
All types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education can apply for funding.
It helps with everything from tuition fees to living costs, and depending on your circumstances, it could be worth hundreds, even thousands, of euro each year.
More Families Now Qualify
This year’s Budget has expanded access to SUSI in several key ways.
Income thresholds have been raised, meaning families who might not have qualified in previous years could now be eligible.
Grant rates have also increased, and support has been extended to more part-time students. In simple terms, the safety net has widened.
If you’ve ruled yourself out in the past, it’s worth checking again. Even a small change in family circumstances, such as a drop in income or additional dependents, can tip the balance in your favour.
SUSI’s eligibility reckoner makes it very easy to figure out if you might qualify for a grant.
It is also important to keep in mind that while eligibility is based on household income from January to December 2024, if a student’s family has experienced a sudden and unexpected drop in income they can apply to be assessed under ‘change of circumstances’ whereby the income of this year is looked at instead. Many people are unaware of this.
Don’t Leave Free Money Behind
Last year, thousands of students missed out on the €500 student contribution grant available to families with household income of up to €115,000, often because they either didn’t know it existed or assumed they wouldn’t qualify.
For the small amount of paperwork involved, the potential savings are well worth the effort.
How to Apply
Applying for the SUSI grant involves three simple steps:
- creating your student portal online at susi.ie,
- completing and submitting your application online, and
- returning any requested documents. Once your application is processed you will receive a decision letter from SUSI.
See here for a very useful guide for new applicants, and follow me for regular updates and reminders.
And, for more details, links and eligibility tables see here for an article I wrote back in April when SUSI opened for application.
Final Word
So if you’re a student, or the parent of one, don’t assume the window has closed. It’s not too late to apply for SUSI.
The process is simpler than you might think, the potential rewards are significant, and thanks to recent Budget changes, more students than ever before are eligible.
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of Martina Mulhall’s pieces here
