14 Jul 2012
Student Universal Support Ireland
A centralised online system dealing with students’ grants has been introduced for those entering third level in the next academic year. Previously, students applied to their local authority or VEC for their grants, with some 66 authorities involved. The new system is known as Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) and will accept all new grant applications and make payments. Those likely to qualify for grants should make an application through the website www.studentfinance.ie.
Students are not required to have decided on a college course before applying. The new system will do much of the administrative work by collecting most of the data from students. Supporting papers will still have to be submitted by applicants and checked manually by staff. The new centralised website also provides information on course fees and details on eligibility requirements for free fees. In addition, other sources of assistance are listed for students, such as the Fund for Students with Disabilities, the Back to Education Allowance and the Student Assistance Fund.