Drop in college grant applications

Rising employment and income levels have seen grant applications drop, despite funding being available again for postgraduate students this year.

At the close of applications this week, the total number of claims for support with fees and living costs was 87,738 which was 0.3%, or 264, less than the same time last year.

Returning or prospective students in further and higher education courses can continue to apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) for financial aid. But, with around 17,000 more people still expected to apply, priority will be given to those who did so up to Thursday night’s deadline.