The main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme where students are studying for the first time or are progressing to study at a higher level. 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.
Assessment of means under the Student Grant Scheme 2021 is based on gross income from all sources, of the applicant and his parents or partner. No deduction is given for outgoings with the exception of pension contributions, legally enforceable maintenance payments and employment related expenses as approved by Revenue. With regards to pension contributions as approved by Revenue the Student Grant Scheme states that these contributions must be made in the reference period, which in this case, is from 01st January to the 31st December 2020.
With regard to this specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student that you refer to appealed firstly to SUSI and more recently to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board. The appeal was heard by the Board on the 7th December 2021 and the determination was communicated to the student directly.
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. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
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, including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
