Student Universal Support Ireland - Maintenance Grants

SUSI Maintenance Grant

You will receive a financial grant to cover your living costs. SUSI will transfer this amount directly into your bank account in nine monthly instalments throughout the academic year. The amount of the grant depends on your household income and the distance between your university and your place of residence. For 2026/27, the rates range from 612 EUR per year at the lowest level, if your university is within 30 km of your place of residence, up to 7,936 EUR per year under the special rate, if it is 30 km or further away. The special rate applies to students whose household receives long-term social welfare and whose income is below 28,600 EUR. If you also have to pay tuition fees, a separate tuition fee grant can cover your tuition fees and student contributions. The grant is awarded by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), the government body that administers Ireland’s national grant scheme.

Who can apply

• Course: You are enrolled on a full-time degree programme that appears on the list of degree programmes recognised by SUSI. These include a PLC programme, a full-time bachelor’s degree programme, certain part-time degree programmes, a degree programme in the EU or the UK, and a postgraduate programme.
• College: You are studying at South East Technological University (formerly IT Carlow).
• Field of study: Any topic is allowed.
• Nationality: You are from Ireland, the UK, the EU/EEA or Switzerland. Recognised refugees and holders of a qualifying residence permit also qualify.
• Residence: Over the last 5 years, you have lived for at least 3 years in Ireland, the EU/EEA, the United Kingdom or Switzerland.
• Income: Your household income for the previous year is below the threshold for your income bracket. The thresholds range from less than 28,600 EUR for the special rate up to 58,470 EUR for the lowest sub-class. They increase if you have more dependent children or other family members who are studying at university.
• Progression: You are making progress in your studies. Repeating a year or taking courses at the same or a lower level is not usually eligible for funding. Exceptions apply if you have withdrawn from your studies prematurely, are repeating the course for valid reasons, or are returning to your studies after 23 with a break of at least 3 years.

How to apply

You can apply online via the SUSI student portal at grantsonline.ie. First, create an account using your PPS number and your personal details. The application deadline for 2026/27 is now open. Apply by 9 July 2026 to ensure your application is processed as a priority. You must reapply each academic year.

You can find more scholarships in our guide Scholarships in Ireland.