Minister for Higher Education and Research Simon Harris confirmed that students in receipt of the SUSI grant will receive the once-off double payment outlined in the cost of living package for students on December 16th.
The payment, outlined as part of the cost of living measures for students in Budget 2023, will be made to all eligible students in further and higher education, including those studying for PLCs, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate degrees.
For those on the special rate, this extra payment will total up to €679.44.
In a press statement on the payment, Minister Harris said: “We have taken important steps to address the cost of education for families in Budget 2023.”
“This additional student maintenance grant payment will mean more money back in people’s pockets by the end of the year.”
“This will benefit almost circa 50,000 students across the country. And effective from January, we will permanently increase maintenance grants by 10-14% ensuring students will receive the help and assistance they need.”
This comes on the heels of a once-off reduction in the student contribution charge for the 2022/23 academic year, which was also announced as part of the cost of living measures in Budget 2023.
Students who have already paid their fees for this academic year will have €1,000 refunded to them by their institution in the coming weeks. Those who have not yet paid will have the €1,000 taken off their fees for this year.
“If you have not paid your fee, it will be knocked off your bill and if you have, your college will be in touch to ensure you get your money back.”
Speaking on the reduction, Minister Harris added that the reduction in fees and the SUSI double payment are “practical measures” to help students with the cost of living crisis.
Last week, students walked out of classes as part of a nationwide protest to address the cost of living. The National Student Walkout, organised by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU), was carried out at universities across Ireland in conjunction with other students’ unions. The walkouts addressed rising accommodation prices, inadequate SUSI grant payouts and lack of government concern for mental health.
Speaking at the protest, Senior Tutor Stephen Smith said, “It’s not a good situation … How can you learn if you’re hungry? How can you learn if you’re broke? How can you learn if you don’t have a place to sleep at night?”.
The protest has been in the works since August but gained urgency when Budget 2023 was announced in late September, which has left many students and officials within the further and higher education sector disappointed. “Budget 2023 was a joke”, said USI President Beth O’Reilly. “Third-level education should be open and accessible to all.”
