Undergraduates and prospective students could be entitled to a reduction in the third level contribution fees of up to €1,500.
Speaking Monday morning, Fine Gael Charlie Flanagan said applications for the student grant scheme for the 2023/24 academic year are now open, with a number of important improvements for students.
There will be a reduction in the contribution fee of €1,500 for families earning €55,240 to €62,000,
Households earning between €62,000 and €100,000 will be eligible for a reduction of €500 in their contribution fee.
“These changes, which come into effect in September, mean that up to 50,000 undergraduates around the country could receive support under the Student Grant Scheme for the first time,” Deputy Flanagan said.
Students in the 2023/24 academic year will also be able to avail of increases in the maintenance grants
The Special and Band 1 maintenance grant rates have increased by 14% and all the other maintenance grant rates have increased by 10%.
The increase in student earnings outside of term time from €4,500 to €6,552 will also come into effect for the 2023/24 academic year.
There will be a reduction in the eligibility period from 5 years to 3 for second-chance mature students returning to college.
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