Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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122. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the grant opportunities available for a mature student who wishes to return to education to complete a masters in teaching. [49558/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Financial supports are currently available for those postgraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria of the Student Grant Scheme.

I secured additional funding in Budget 2017 to facilitate the reinstatement of full maintenance grants from September 2017, for the most disadvantaged postgraduate students. In addition postgraduate students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are eligible to have their post graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270.

Alternatively, a postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the cost of their fees. The income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2017/18 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents.

In addition, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. 

Tax relief also is available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.