Minister For Education and Kerry TD, Norma Foley, has welcomed the announcement of additional student grant payments and fee reductions for third level students.

December 16 has been confirmed as the payment date on which all third level maintenance recipients will receive an additional payment of up to €679.

All free fees eligible students who paid their 2022/23 student contribution in full will receive a refund of €1,000 from the HEI attended. The HEI will contact eligible students to seek the necessary account details to process the refund.

Students eligible for a 50% student contribution grant support as paid by SUSI will benefit proportionally and will receive a €500 credit in the value of the student contribution they are due to pay.

From January 2023, there will be a permanent increase in grants by between 10% and 14%, ensuring students will receive the help and assistance they need.