Minister Harris announces cost of education package to assist third-level students

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced a significant package of supports for third level students and researchers.

The package, secured in the Budget, will allow for:

* Increases of up to €342 in maintenance grants from next week;

* The re-introduction of maintenance grants worth up to €2,384 to eligible post-graduate students;

* A €3,000 increase in the stipend for PhD researchers funded by the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland.

These increases will take effect this week and will see money back in people’s pockets as students and their families prepare for the return to college.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “This is a really important increase at a difficult time for families across the country.

“The cost-of-living has had a real impact on families. This investment, made as part of a wider package of supports in Budget 2024, will see eligible students receive an increased student maintenance grant.

“For some that can mean a total of €342 between now and May and a total increase of €615 in their grant rate for the year.

“For others, it will see the return of post-graduate maintenance grants at all levels for the first time since the economic crash.

“This will put €2,384 into the pocket of those postgrads who will become eligible for the highest rate of increase between now and May.”

This cost of education package is in addition to the €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for eligible undergraduate students.

Minister Harris is also announcing a once-off increase to the Student Assistance Fund of €1,476,541 million bringing the total investment to over €19 million.

Minister Harris added: “Since this Department was established, we have made important changes. We know there is much more to do but I really do believe our record shows we are standing up for families and making sure that cost is not a barrier to accessing education.”

The once off increase to the Student Assistance Fund will provide additional financial support to eligible full or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties due to the cost of living while attending college and brings the total available funding for the 2023/24 academic year to over €19million.

Minister Harris added: “I am delighted to be in a position to increase the support available to help students in this academic year.”

“I am conscious of the fact that the cost of attending college has increased and this extra funding will support students who are experiencing financial trouble while attending higher education institutions. It is a valuable assistance for students in need of help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be used towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials.”