The SUSI grant, vital to so many students, opened for applications on 5 April.

The national student grant awarding body processed a total of 103,300 grant applications in the 2017/2018 academic year, with almost 82,000 applicants assessed as eligible for grant support. It is anticipated that a similar number will apply for grant support for the 2018/2019 academic year.

The body reminds student that those progressing to the next year of their course must renew their grants. The priority closing date for renewal applications is 14 June 2018.

In relation to new applicants, the priority closing date for new applications is 12 July 2018.

Students do not need to have their leaving certificate results, or to have accepted a course, in order to submit an application, with SUSI awarding over 20,000 new applicants prior to CAO offers last year. SUSI communications and information services manager, Aoife Greene advised: “We would encourage all students, both new applicants and those progressing to the next year of their course, to make their application as soon as possible to assist in timely processing.”

Tips for filling out the application form

  • • Use the eligibility reckoner on the SUSI website to give students an indication as to their eligibility for student grant funding.
  • • Review the step-by-step application form guide provided in the resource section of the SUSI website.
  • • Make your application as early as possible after the opening date (the opening date was 5 April).
  • • Tick your SUSI option on your CAO form.
  • • Check which class of applicant you are and familiarise yourself with the information provided on the SUSI website that relates to you before making your application.
  • • If any of your reckonable income includes self-assessment, your tax return should be filed with the Revenue Commissioners as early as possible.
  • • Supply the documentation requested of you on time and correctly. Also ensure all the information you supply, such as date of birth, PPS number, etc, is correct. This will avoid delays in processing your application.
  • • Use the application tracker on your online account to check the progress of your application. CL

    • All tips are available on the website www.susi.ie.