BUDGET 2021: €50 million for students’ online study; SUSI grant would be increased by €3,500

DUBLIN: Finance Minister announces €50 million in funding for online education for third-level students in Ireland.

In the Covid context, all classes are conducted through online. Funding has been announced to compensate students for the costs associated with switching to online learning.

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said he would hold detailed discussions on how to make the funds available to students.

Meanwhile, the Department of Higher Education has been allocated only €3.3 billion in the budget for next year.

Minister said that €15 million would be given to higher education institutions for the execution of minor capital works and for the purchase of equipment.

In addition, Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath announced in the budget that the SUSI grant for postgraduate students would be increased by €1,500 to €3,500.

The eligibility criteria for the grant will also be adjusted. Further details will be released soon on this.

The government has also announced funding to create an additional 5,000 seats as the number of students at the third level is likely to increase in relation to the estimated grade of the Leaving Cert.