Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Questions (146)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

146. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 19 December 2013, if a specific mechanism can be built into the online application system for Student Universal Support Ireland in order that students making an application for a student maintenance grant will be automatically prompted by the system of the third level institutions which are not approved institutions for the grant and therefore eliminate the problem whereby some students enrolled in courses with private colleges had their grant applications processed online but were informed many months later that they were ineligible for the student maintenance grant. [2277/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The SUSI application system facilitates students in applying for a grant before they have accepted a place in college or know the institution and course they will actually be attending. Therefore, it is not possible to give a specific indication at application stage as to course approval.

As part of its communications strategy SUSI draws attention to the requirement that a student needs to be entering an approved full-time course in an approved institution. In addition, the SUSI website provides details in relation to approved colleges.

I understand that for 2014 SUSI, in consultation with stakeholders, will continue to enhance communications and promote awareness among grants applicants regarding approved institutions and courses.