Higher Education Grants
December 2011
According to Budget 2012, the Student Maintenance Grant will be cut by 3%. This change is effective from January 1st 2012.
There will be no maintenance payments for new entrant postgraduate students.
July 2011
Some important changes have been taking place in how student grants are being administered. In previous years there were four different grant schemes, whereas this year there is only one scheme. The new student grant scheme was launched on June 27th this year. The website Studentfinance is an excellent source of information on grants and finance for all third level students.
You can apply for a grant as long as you are taking an approved undergraduate or postgraduate course that will last at least two years. Your eligiblity is dependent on a number of criteria and you will be means tested. There is a new requirement for grant applications for 2010/2011 that you must be resident in the State for 3 of the previous 5 years.
If you are on the Back to Education Allowance, then you are no longer eligible for the grant if you are applying for a new course. You should however submit the grant application form as the government may meet the costs of the Student Contribution Fee on your behalf.
Budget 2011 adds a new eligibility category for exemption from 50% of the new Student Contribution.
Check out the AONTAS Blog to read ten things that mature students should know before you apply for a grant.
For more information about the Student Maintenance Grant visit Studentfinance You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre for information.
For information on rates of the grants, eligibility and more visit the Department of Education and Skills.
