Student Grant: Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for a student grant can be confusing, and many people have questions around how the application works and when they will be paid. We have answered some of your frequently asked questions about student grants.

Find out more about the SUSI maintenance and fee grants here.

SUSI grant eligibility and applications

See below the responses to some of the frequently asked questions about student grant eligibility and applications.

How can I find out if I’m eligible for a SUSI grant?

You can use SUSI’s Eligibility Reckoner to see if you might be eligible for funding.

I’m doing a PLC. Am I eligible for the SUSI grant?

Students doing Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses do not get fee grants, but you can apply for the maintenance grant. If you qualify for a maintenance grant, you are exempt from the PLC participant contribution. Use SUSI’s Eligibility Reckoner to see if you might be eligible for funding.

I already have a qualification, am I eligible for a grant if I return to college?

If you already have a third level qualification, this may affect your eligibility for a grant. You will not get a grant if you start a new course that does not represent a progression from your previous qualification (for example going from a level 8 to another level 8 course), even if you did not get a grant in your previous course.

Where can I apply for a SUSI grant?

The student grant application process is now online only. Find out more about the application process here.

Receiving the SUSI grant

See below the responses to some of the frequently asked questions about receiving the student grant.

I have been approved for a SUSI grant, how will it be paid?

Students applying to SUSI will be paid on a monthly basis (nine instalments) into their own bank account. The student contribution element of the fee grant will be paid directly to the college on your behalf.

I have been approved for a student grant but part of my course involves studying abroad/work placement for one academic year. Will I still get the grant for this time away from college?

Yes, as long as the period abroad/work placement is part of the course and doesn’t extend the normal duration of the course.

SUSI grant and other income

See below the responses to some of the frequently asked questions about the student grant and other income.

Can I work while getting the SUSI grant?

It is possible to work while receiving the SUSI grant provided you don’t earn above a certain amount. Find out more about how your income will be assess when you apply for a SUSI grant.

Can I get a maintenance grant while on Back To Education Allowance (BTEA)?

No, students entering a new course who are in receipt of the BTEA will no longer be eligible for a maintenance grant. However, you may be eligible for a fee grant to have the student contribution charge and any tuition fees payable for the course paid on your behalf. Find out more about the maintenance grant and fee grant here.

I am in receipt of Disability Allowance and am enrolled in an approved course. Can I apply to the Fund for Students with Disabilities?

Yes. Find out more about the Fund for Students with Disabilities here.

I am registered on an approved course and am receiving a student grant. Can I also get the Student Assistance Fund?

You are eligible to apply for the Student Assistance Fund while receiving a SUSI grant. Your grant will be taken into account by your college in assessing your needs. The decision on your application will be taken by the college, based on the information you provide.

What other financial supports are available for college students in Ireland?

There are other financial supports for college students that you may be eligible for. Find out more about financial supports for college students in Ireland.

Change in circumstances

See below the responses to some of the frequently asked questions about changes in circumstances.

Can I still get the grant if I have to repeat the year?

If you have to repeat a year on the same course, then you are usually not eligible for a grant for the repeat year. There are some limited exceptions to this so it is worth contacting SUSI to talk about your own situation.

I have applied for an approved course in higher education but I may decide in September to take up a different course. Am I required to fill out a further online grant application?

No. If you are approved for a grant you will, nearer the start of the academic year, be required to fill out a “Final Course Acceptance” form. This form will allow the awarding authority to complete the processing of your application in respect of the course being pursued.

Don’t wait until you decide what course you want to take up before applying for a student grant, you do not have to know the course you will be attending to make an application.

For more information on applying for the SUSI student grant, visit the SUSI website.

What happens if my circumstances change after applying for the SUSI grant?

If you or your family member have a change in circumstances, it is important to let SUSI know. You can do this by emailing [email protected] and including Change in Circumstances in the subject line. Find out more about what to do if your circumstances change.

What happens to my grant if I decide to defer a year?

You must inform SUSI if you do any of the following:

• Defer a college place that you have accepted
• Defer a year of your course
• Withdraw from or cease to attend your course

If you do not inform SUSI of this as soon as you can, you will have to repay any grant overpayment made to you and/or you may be ineligible to receive a grant (or may receive a reduced grant) on resuming your studies in the future.

SUSI grant renewals

See below the responses to some of the frequently asked questions about student grant renewals.

If I am approved for the SUSI grant in first year, will I receive it automatically in second year?

Student grants awarded under the Student Grant Scheme are reviewed each year. You must renew your application for each year of your course. SUSI will email you to advise you to renew your grant application when it is time to do so.

I received the SUSI grant last year and have decided to change course this year. What do I do?

If you decide to change your course, your college or are starting a new course you will need to make a new application.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

• Chat now to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or leave us a message and we will email you back