Students have welcomed changes to the SUSI grant system but believe they won't go far enough to support them through the current cost of living crisis.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has announced plans which will allow students receiving funds from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) to earn an additional €2,000 euro over the summer period without risking their student grant. The maintenance grant that some students on SUSI can avail of is also set to be raised by an additional €200.
Laura McCarthy, a postgraduate student of Women’s Studies, says that the proposals are promising but that more changes are needed for students as a result of inflation and high living costs.
Read More : Students to be allowed to earn extra €2,000 which won't affect SUSI grant
“€200 barely covers bills, especially in times of inflation. The whole thing seems like the government are trying to provide the bare minimum so people will quieten down,” Laura says.
Students can now earn up to €6,552 in wages outside of the academic semester while still retaining their grant. The previous limit for money received over the summer was set at €4,500.
Simon Harris said that the changes will also address shortages within the hospitality sector at the height of the tourist season.
“Businesses have also highlighted the shortage in students willing to work over the summer, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector. The government has approved the changes, which I expect will make a real difference to students and businesses across the country," the Minister said in a statement.
The Minister also sent a memo to Government to propose that Ukrainian students receive the same entitlements to third level education as their Irish counterparts. Ukrainian refugees who wish to study at third level would be able to receive funding under the Erasmus scheme.
Laura says that although the plans are a “step in the right direction” further progress is needed to provide students with adequate support for the duration of their studies.
SUSI has previously been criticised for poor communication regarding grant entitlements. The authority apologised for an error that led some students to believe their fees were fully covered for the upcoming academic year.
DCU’s Student Union did not respond to a request for comment on the changes to the SUSI system.
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