Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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742. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of additional students who qualified for SUSI assistance following the increase in income level thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53515/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Budget 2025 saw a significant increase in income thresholds effective from 1st September 2025:

• The special rate of Maintenance Threshold increased from €26,200 to €27,400 in line with Social Welfare Increases.
• All standard rate Maintenance Thresholds, the Part-Time Fee Scheme threshold and the Student Contribution Thresholds increased by 15%;
• The Postgraduate Student Contribution threshold increased to a similar level as 100% Student Contribution (16.4%).

• an increase to the income deduction for student earnings outside of term time from €7,925 to €8,424 effective for the 2025/26 academic year.
• an expansion of the eligibility criteria to allow students who have certain immigration permissions to apply for grants.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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743. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if grant assistance is available to part-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53516/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The main form of financial assistance available to higher education students is the Student Grant Scheme which is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).

My Department does however recognise the need to offer support for more flexible forms of learning and last year, for the first time, a new Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses was introduced to provide fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This includes specified in person and blended/hybrid courses. Its aim is to provide additional flexibility in respect of course provision to students who are socio-economically disadvantaged. Details of eligible courses are available on SUSI's website. Students interested in these courses should contact the college involved for more details.

Fully Online and Distance Learning Courses do not qualify for grant assistance under the Student Grant Scheme or the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme.

However, Springboard+ co funded by the Government and the European Union, established in 2011 continues to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education by offering flexible, work focused learning opportunities to adult learners across the country. Aligned with national skills priorities, Springboard+ supports individuals to upskill or reskill in high-demand areas such as ICT, cybersecurity and sustainability. Springboard+ is free or heavily subsidised and offered in a flexible format (part-time, blended, and online) making higher education more accessible to all.

My Department is committed to supporting flexible forms of learning, and will keep the policies surrounding support for part-time students under review.

I am conscious that not all students are eligible for free fees or other supports such as SUSI grants. Students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) which assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Students in need of support should contact the Access Office in the Higher Education Institution they attend to see what supports may be available.