IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Alice Doyle said that farm families should be aware of the upcoming closing date and changes to the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) education grants.
The priority closing dates for the SUSI grant are Thurs, June 8th for grant renewal applications and Thurs, July 6th for new grant applications. Many students from farm families and in rural areas qualify for this grant
“It is important for farm families to be aware of the upcoming SUSI grant deadlines and some of the changes for existing and new applicants. This grant is an excellent opportunity for families to send their children to third-level education and reduce the financial burden,” Alice Doyle said.
There are important changes to the Student Grant Scheme announced in Budget 2023 which include an increase in the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for the 50% student contribution grant and a new student contribution grant of €500 for incomes between €62,000 and €100,000.
The postgraduate fee contribution grant is increasing by €500 from €3,500 to €4,000.
“The increase in the income threshold means more families can access support and more students will qualify this year,” she added.
The SUSI Support Desk is open Monday to Friday (9.00am – 5.30pm), excluding public holidays. They can be contacted by phone on 0818 888 777 or by email on support@susi.ie.