Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2013
103. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the eligibility of PhD students for grant assistance beyond four years in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34100/13]
View answerA grant is payable for the normal duration of an approved course and is renewed annually subject to ongoing compliance with the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme. Grant aid for postgraduate study is limited to a maximum of four years in total. Account is taken of all previous attendance and attainment at postgraduate level when considering grant aid entitlement for postgraduate study, regardless of whether a person previously received a grant or not. To determine eligibility for the 2013/14 academic year the student should submit an online grant application to Student Universal Support Ireland via www.susi.ie.
Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners. In addition the Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. Given the level of demand on the student grant budget from first time students and students that are progressing with their studies to a higher level, there are no plans at present to change the arrangements in place for postgraduate students.
