Student grant costs run €13.5m over-budget

The cost of student grants has run €13.5m over-budget due to more people qualifying — but also because of quicker-than-expected processing of applications.

The overrun of almost 4% on the €356m budget for third-level student supports was revealed by Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan to the Dáil select education sub-committee last week.

“There were more Susi [Student Universal Support Ireland] grants than had been anticipated at the beginning of the year. The funding was found through savings in other areas,” Ms O’Sullivan said.