Susi stands as the singular authority in Ireland bestowing grants for all tertiary education. The grants available are categorised into student contribution and upkeep grants. The application period usually commences five months prior to the academic year start, typically around April, with priority deadlines in the vicinity of July. CAO applicants merely have to check a box in their CAO applications, hence enabling automatic data sharing with Susi.
Eligibility Assessment
The eligibility for such grants can be verified online at susi.ie based on various metrics. Residency in Ireland, UK, or any EU and EEA countries including Switzerland for minimum three years out of the last five is a prerequisite. Individuals with refugee status or a similar permission to reside in these countries are also considered. The educational program you’re applying a grant for should be superior to your existing qualifications. It is permissible if you hold a Level 7 degree and aim to get funding for a Level 8 degree; however, the vice-versa is not applicable.
Approved Courses
Verification of enrolment in a Susi-approved program conducted by a recognised educational institution is compulsory (the institute’s list can be found on Susi’s website). Furthermore, grant eligibility depends on income limits, where students can qualify as either “independent” or “dependent”/”mature dependent”. Independent students are those aged 23 or over, living independently since the October of the preceding year, while Dependent/Mature dependent students are individuals below 23 years of age or still residing with their parents/guardians if aged over 23.
In the case of independent applicants, your income, coupled with any potential cohabiter’s revenue will come under scrutiny. Contrarily, for dependent students, assessment includes both the student’s income and the parent’s/guardian’s earnings.
Application Method
Upon eligibility confirmation, students can set up an account on the same website, following which they can fill out the application form. It is not required to have Leaving Certificate results or a pre-accepted course offer. Applicants can follow their application status via this account.