Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
863. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to explain the rationale for the three-year break in studies required for a person to apply for a SUSI grant as an independent mature student for postgraduate studies; if there are any plans to change or reduce the three-year break in studies requirement rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33555/23]
View answerThe purpose of the Student Grant Scheme is to provide additional assistance where parental income is below a certain threshold, or in the case of independent mature students, where the level of income of the student and his or her spouse warrants additional assistance by way of a grant.
For student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
A student may be assessed as an independent student - in other words assessed without reference to parental income and address- if they have attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course and they were not ordinarily resident with their parents from the previous 1st of October.
Otherwise, they would be assessed as a dependent student - that is, assessed with reference to parental income and address.
A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years. This classification continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
Subject to meeting the eligibility criteria, a student may reclassify from a dependent student to an independent student when they progress from further education to higher education or if they are returning as a "second chance" student after a three year break in studies. As you may be aware that this was reduced from a 5 year break in studies from September 2023. This was a real necessity to drive the goals in the National Access Plan to improve opportunities for mature students.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. Relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.
The existing rules reflect the fact that very significant numbers of third-level students move out of home to go to college and continue to be supported by their parents, where their parents have sufficient means, while in full-time education. Therefore, any proposed changes would need careful consideration.
As you are aware, I published a cost of education options paper in 2022 and it is my intention to publish a cost of education options paper 2023 which will set out options for further enhancement of student supports for consideration as part of the Budgetary process in the Autumn.
