Minister Lawless Announces Expansion of Student Grant Supports As SUSI Opens 2026/27 Applications

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 16:18

By Emma O'Connor

Minister Lawless encourages students and families to check their eligibility early

Minister for Further and Higher Education, and Kildare North TD James Lawless, has today announced a significant expansion of student financial supports as Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) opens for applications for the 2026/27 academic year.

Minister Lawless encourages students and families to check their eligibility early, noting that ensuring college remains affordable for households across the country continues to be a key Government priority.

He said “Every year, I meet students and families who tell me how challenging the cost of college can be. I’m very conscious of that, and these changes are about easing that pressure and making sure cost isn’t the thing that stops someone pursuing their education.”

It's understood Budget 2026 delivered significant enhancements to both the Student Grant Scheme and the Part‑Time Student Grant Scheme.

Improvements from September 2026 for eligible students will include:

Increase in the €500 student contribution grant threshold from €115,000 to €120,000
Increase in the special rate threshold from €27,400 to €28,600
Permanent €500 reduction in the Student Contribution charge (from €3,000 to €2,500)
Permanent €500 increase in the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant (from €4,000 to €4,500)
Increase to all non‑adjacent maintenance rates (for students living 30km or more from their institution)
Increase to the income disregard for student earnings outside term time (from €8,424 to €8,830)