Student grants set to rise by a fifth
Up to 12,000 third-level students will get a 22.25% hike in their maintenance grants in September, the Education Minister said today.
Mary Hanafin said she has allocated a total of €208m this year to the four grant schemes administered by her department.
The latest increase means the maximum grant for 2005/06 will reach €5,355.
The annual income threshold for the top up grant is also rising by 6.35% to €15,626.
Ms Hanafin said: “This latest increase will help socio-economically disadvantaged students who gain access to higher education.”
“Greater participation and equitable access is vitally important if the fruits of the economy are to be enjoyed by all.
“I am targeting the greatest support at those most in need, to encourage access to further and higher education for all.”
She added: “This is evidence of the real commitment by this Government to tackling educational disadvantage and helping those who most need support and promoting access to higher education.”
