4106. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the maintenance grant rates and income thresholds for the upcoming academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63910/26]

Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants, offers funding to eligible students in approved courses at PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Ireland and in some cases, to students studying in the UK or EU. All types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education can apply for funding.

Eligible students must meet all qualifying criteria such as means, residency, nationality and progression. Household reckonable income, calculated for grant purposes, must fall under specific thresholds. Applications are assessed with regard to gross household income from the previous calendar year.

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.

The table attached shows the income threshold and grant rates for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Over the past few budgets, I was able to provide additional financial assistance to students most in need by increasing maintenance grant rates. More recently, in Budget 2026, I increased all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year. This benefits PLC/Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students whose normal residence is 30 km or more from their institution.

Budget 2025 saw the largest ever increase to all standard Maintenance and Student Contribution Grant Thresholds by at least 15%.

From September 2026 the income threshold for the €500 student contribution grant will increase from €115,000 - €120,000.

The Student Grant Scheme is reviewed annually, and any future improvements are considered as part of the overall Estimates and Budget process, having regard to available resources and competing demands across Government.

Income thresholds and grant rates 2026-2027