The online application system for Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grants for the 2019-20 academic year is open. SUSI, the national student grant-awarding body, is expecting to receive up to 99,000 applications over the coming months. Students are advised to apply online through the SUSI website as soon as possible.

Before applications are made, SUSI communications and information services manager Aoife Greene advises to check eligibility to apply for the scheme.

For students who have previously received SUSI grants and are continuing with third-level education this year, they must renew their application

“Students should visit our website www.susi.ie and use our online ‘eligibility reckoner’ before making their application. This will give them an indication as to their eligibility for student grant funding. They can find all of the necessary information and advice on our website and social media, including videos and detailed guidance notes for making an application. We also have a responsive telephone and email support desk that can deal with any queries students might have.”

For students who have previously received SUSI grants and are continuing with third-level education this year, they must renew their application. Those students will have received an email alerting them to this. The priority closing date for making renewal applications is 13 June 2019.

In relation to new applicants, last year SUSI awarded over 80% of new applications by the end of September. This can provide earlier certainty for students in making college choices and accepting place offers. Students do not need to have their Leaving Certificate results, or to have accepted a course in order to submit an application – they can provide details of the course they hope to study. Their course choices can be updated at a later stage directly in their online accounts if necessary and CAO also informs SUSI of college places accepted by students who have enabled CAO to inform SUSI of this. The priority closing date for new applications is 11 July 2019.