20,000 grant applications still to be decided

Almost one third of first-year college students seeking grants have still not had their application decided.

Student Universal Support Ireland (Susi), which is handling all first-time applications, insists 20,100 of the 67,500 applicants have not yet sent in all the necessary paperwork.

It has paid fees and the first grant instalment for 25,692 students up to last Wednesday. There are an estimated 35,000 eligible students.