Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
274. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address the case of a person (details supplied) regarding financial support for higher education; and if there are additional subsidies available. [11269/20]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), provides grant assistance to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
Under the terms and conditions of funding, a student must be attending an approved full-time course at an approved institution. Access/Foundation courses are not eligible for support.
However, a student may apply to SUSI to have their eligibility for grant assistance assessed once he/she progresses to an approved undergraduate course pursued at an approved institution following the successful completion of the foundation/access course.
The definition of an approved institution is set out in Section 7 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 3 of the Student Support Regulations 2020. Private educational institutions do not come under the remit of the Student Grant Scheme.
Queries in relation to bursaries or awards administered by the Arts Council should be addressed directly to that body for answer.
