Student Grant To Increase By 10% From September

This will mean an increase in the maximum rate of ordinary grant to €3,420 for 2007/08 and students who qualify will also have the student service charge paid on their behalf.

In addition, over 12,500 students in receipt of the 'Special Rate' of maintenance grant will benefit from an even more substantial increase of over 14%, with the maximum rate for 2007/08 increasing to €6,690.

In parallel with these significant rate increases, the annual income thresholds to qualify for student grants will also be increased with effect from the coming September.

The annual income thresholds for the ordinary rate of maintenance grant are being increased by 3.5%, while the threshold for the special rate of maintenance grant is being increased by 7.8% to €18,055.

Announcing the grant schemes for 2007/08, Minister Hanafin said, "Financial barriers have long been recognised as a major disincentive for many students who wish to access third level education.

"This significant increase in the ordinary rate of maintenance grant, at twice the level of inflation, will make the third level option more affordable for a broad range of students and their families.

"In approving an even higher increase in the special rate of maintenance grant, I am further targeting that support at those most in need, to encourage access to further and higher education for everyone.

"This Government's continued commitment to supporting high rates of participation in third level education at all levels of society will ensure that Ireland continues to attract and maintain investment in high quality jobs and that the fruits of the economy can be enjoyed by all", he concluded.

Full details of the revised 2007/08 student support schemes will be issued to the awarding bodies, the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees.

This will mean that the schemes will be made available a month earlier than in 2006, facilitating a substantial level of service improvement for students.