Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Questions (359)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

359. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a scheme in place which a PLC student can access to assist in meeting accommodation costs while studying. [15419/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

PLC learners are entitled to apply for student grant funding under the same terms, conditions and rates as third level students, details of which are available on the SUSI website at www.susi.ie.

 Under the terms of the scheme, grant assistance is awarded to Post Leaving Certificate students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, approved course, previous academic attainment and means.

The student maintenance grant is a contribution towards the living costs of a student and is not intended to cover the full costs of attending college. The scheme does however provide for different levels of maintenance support, depending on means. Grants are also provided at adjacent and non-adjacent rates. The higher non-adjacent rates are intended to provide additional support to those students, including PLC students, who may be living away from home.