Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2023
208. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in relation to SI (No. 94 of 2023) and the issue of postgraduate funding, there is any derogation from the rules whereby, for example, someone may have had their fees paid for one year through a scholarship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26619/23]
View answerThe main support available to assist postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
Grant aid for postgraduate study is limited to a maximum of four years in total. Account is taken of all previous attendance and attainment at postgraduate level when considering grant aid entitlement for postgraduate study, regardless of whether a person previously received a grant or not. Under the Student Grant Scheme 2023, grant aid for postgraduate study shall be limited to a maximum of four years in total. This does not preclude a student from studying for more than four years at postgraduate level, however they are only eligible to receive grant aid in respect of four years.
Under the Student Grant Scheme 2023, a student is not eligible for a grant if they have been awarded or hold a scholarship from public funds. There are a number of exceptions to this, where a student may still be eligible for a grant (as listed in Article 14(3) of the Scheme), but a student will not be eligible for a fee grant or a postgraduate fee contribution if in receipt of any award mentioned in Article 14(3) which includes a provision for fees.
A student may be eligible for a grant if they have been awarded a scholarship from other sources. However, it should be noted that a student or tuition student in receipt of full assistance towards the tuition fee element from any other source, including sponsorship or an award, shall not be eligible for the postgraduate fee contribution and where a student or tuition student receives part assistance towards the tuition fee from any other source, the postgraduate fee contribution is subject to a reduction.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
