Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Student Grant Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Ceisteanna (325)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

325. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5511/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded 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.

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.

The online application process for student grant applications for the 2020/2021 academic year opened on 23 April 2020. SUSI’s website is www.susi.ie and the telephone number for SUSI’s Helpdesk is 0761 087 874.

Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.

The Fund for Students with Disabilities provides funding to further and higher education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities so that they can access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study. A significant development in 2018 was to extend the fund to support part-time study, and has continued to support such students since.

In addition, 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. Further information on this tax relief is available from the student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie .

Back to Education Allowance is administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). Any queries in relation to eligibility for BTEA should be directed to DEASP or your local social welfare office.

Barr
Roinn