Least well-off to be hit by college grant changes

RURAL people, mature students and the least well-off will be most affected by planned changes in how grant applications are assessed, according to the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe announced yesterday that changes will be made from next year to the way applications are assessed from farmers’ children, from people living in Ireland less than three out of the previous five years, mature students and some social welfare recipients.

The income means test used to determine eligibility for grants will disregard an income tax adjustment for farm stock relief, meaning a farming family’s income could be significantly increased when an application is considered.