Students who secured a college place through the latest CAO offers may still be able to receive financial support this academic year. It is not too late to apply for a college grant for 2026-2027, with SUSI continuing to accept online applications.
The support can help with living expenses, student contributions, tuition fees and certain essential course costs. However, students should apply as soon as possible and check the conditions attached to any award.
College grant applications remain open for 2026-27
SUSI, or Student Universal Support Ireland, administers higher-education funding in Ireland. Students who have recently accepted a college place can use the eligibility indicator on the SUSI website to get an initial indication of whether they may qualify.
Eligibility is not based on household income alone. SUSI also applies rules concerning nationality and residency, while the course and institution attended can affect the type and level of support available.
Students who are unsure about their circumstances can contact SUSI through its online support services, by telephone or by email.
Key facts
- Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are still being accepted.
- Applications can be submitted online through SUSI.
- Maintenance grants are paid to eligible students.
- Fee grants are paid directly to the college.
- Registration, bank details and college confirmation are required before maintenance payments can be released.
What types of SUSI support are available?
Maintenance grants
A maintenance grant is designed to help with the day-to-day cost of attending college. Payments are made directly into the student’s bank account, subject to the student meeting the relevant requirements.
The award letter confirms the rate granted. The amount can depend on household income, family circumstances, distance from college and other eligibility factors.
Fee grants
A fee grant may help cover the student contribution, essential field-trip costs or tuition fees for students who do not qualify under the fee-free fees arrangements.
Unlike a maintenance grant, a fee grant is paid directly to the college on the student’s behalf. SUSI can also verify continued attendance during the academic year.
Recent increases in income thresholds mean that more households may qualify for at least some assistance. The source information states that undergraduate students in households with incomes of up to €120,000 may be eligible for a €500 student contribution grant, depending on the full eligibility assessment.
How students receive a maintenance grant
Being approved for funding does not automatically mean that a payment will arrive immediately. Students must complete several administrative steps after receiving an award.
- Register with the college: The student must be registered for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Allow the college to confirm registration: The college must confirm registration with SUSI at least one week before the relevant payment date.
- Add bank details: Bank information must be entered in the “my banking” section of the SUSI student portal at least 10 days before payment is due.
- Check payment updates: Students can monitor the status of their application and payments through the “my payments” section.
SUSI is scheduled to make weekly maintenance grant payments on Thursdays from mid-September 2026 onwards, helping eligible students receive an initial payment as quickly as possible. After the first payment, maintenance support is generally paid once per calendar month during the academic year.
What students should do now
- Use the SUSI eligibility indicator.
- Submit an application online without delay.
- Gather information about income, residency and course details.
- Complete college registration once a place is accepted.
- Enter accurate bank details in the student portal.
What happens if a student changes course plans?
Students must keep SUSI informed if their circumstances change. Anyone who decides not to attend, defers a place or withdraws during the academic year should deregister with the college and cancel the grant application through the SUSI portal.
This is important because colleges and SUSI verify registration and attendance. Continuing to receive support after leaving a course could create administrative or repayment issues.
Why the grant deadline matters for families
College costs can include accommodation, transport, food, books, equipment and course charges. For families managing higher education expenses alongside Ireland’s wider cost-of-living pressures, a grant decision can affect how quickly students can settle into college.
Applying late does not necessarily rule a student out, but delays in submitting information, confirming registration or adding bank details can affect when payments are processed. Students should therefore treat the open application window as an opportunity to act promptly rather than wait.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to apply for a college grant?
No. SUSI continues to accept applications for the 2026-2027 academic year, according to the information available.
Where can students apply?
Applications are made online through SUSI. The website also provides an eligibility indicator and support information.
Are maintenance and fee grants the same?
No. Maintenance grants assist with living costs and are paid to students. Fee grants help with eligible education charges and are paid directly to the college.
When are maintenance grants paid?
Weekly payments are scheduled for Thursdays from mid-September 2026 onwards, followed by monthly payments during the academic year, provided all requirements are met.
What students should remember
The main message for students who have recently received a college offer is clear: there is still time to apply for a college grant, but completing the process quickly is sensible. Eligibility depends on personal, financial and course-related circumstances, so students should use the official SUSI tools and contact the organisation if they need clarification.
For students beginning higher education in 2026-2027, an early application, completed registration and accurate payment details can make the difference between a smooth grant process and avoidable delays.
Applying for a college grant is not too late, but students should act now and follow every SUSI requirement carefully.
