Student Grants To Increase From Next Week

Student grants will increase from next week, as part of measures announced in last year's Budget.

These measures will see maintenance grants increasing to €342 for eligible students between now and May, and almost twice that in the yearly grant fee. 

For the first time in over a decade, Postgraduate students will see maintenance grants returning at all levels, which will see maintenance of up to €2,384 being reintroduced to those who qualify, for the first time in 13 years.

Funding for certain PHD researchers will also see an increase, with those who are funded by the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland, to see funding for their research increase by €3,000.

Simon Harris, the Minister for Further and Higher Education has added that these increases were in addition to the €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for eligible graduates.

The minister is also set to announce a once off increase of €1.5 million for the the Student Assistance fund, to help students encountering financial difficulties due to the increased cost of living.

"This is a really important increase at a difficult time for families across the country", Mr Harris said.  "The cost-of-living has had a real impact on families. This investment, made as part of a wider package of supports in Budget 2024, will see eligible students receive an increased student maintenance grant".