Nolan advises students to submit third level course options in advance of closing dates

Independent Offaly TD Carol Nolan has strongly advised all those wishing to apply for approved courses at PLC, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels for the 2025/26 academic year to do so well in advance of the closing dates.

Deputy Nolan was speaking after she engaged with the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) to confirm that the priority closing date for new applications is July 10 2025, while the priority closing date for renewal applications is June 5.

“It is critical that early applications are made to avoid any complications or unnecessary delays to grant approvals and payments.

“It is also vital for parents and students alike to be aware that there are a number of important changes to the system this year following Budget 2025," the Independent TD said.

These include:

• The Special Rate of maintenance grant threshold will increase from €26,200 to €27,400.

• The income thresholds for maintenance grants for PLC, full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students will increase by 15%.

• The income thresholds for the full-time student contribution will increase by 15%.

• The postgraduate fee contribution income threshold will increase from €55,240 to €64,315.

• Part-time undergraduate fee income threshold will increase from €55,924 to €64,315.

• The first €5,000 of any scholarship or bursary will be disregarded from SUSI’s income calculation.

• Students who receive a scholarship from public funds that is listed as an eligibility exclusion under the Student Grant Scheme and does not fully cover their fees may be eligible for a grant to cover the remaining fees.

“I want to make sure that every student in Offaly who wishes to proceed has the maximum chance possible of getting the kind of grant they are entitled to.

“I am also working with the department to try and expand the eligibility criteria as each and every year I deal with very frustrating cases where some students are effectively penalised because their mother or father worked hard and earned a good wage.

“That is not acceptable, and I am working to change that and to highlight the issue with Government,” Deputy Nolan concluded.