Clare third level students will receive additional funding to help with essential purchases and cost of living challenges during the current academic year.
Announcing details of the Higher Education Authority’s Student Assistance Fund, Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey said the latest allocation of €4.3 million would help students with purchases such as books and class materials, rent, childcare and transport.
“This is a crucial and welcome intervention to help third level students who are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
“The once-off funding is provided through the Student Assistance Fund and will be distributed early this year, bringing the overall allocation to €20 million for the 22/23 academic year.
“Clare students who will receive the once-off Tier 3-1916 Path 2 bursary which helps socio-economically disadvantaged will see an increase of €500 for the 22/23 academic year.
“These students are members of disadvantaged communities, students with a disability, mature students and further education award holders. The number of students who will be impacted by this change will be approximately 820, representing a €410,000 increase in cost.
“This follows a €1,000 increase in the maintenance grant announced in Budget 2023. The renters credit and the extension of free public transport are also tangible changes which will make important changes for students,” Deputy Carey added.
