For the first time in more than 10 years, postgraduate maintenance grants will be reinstated at all levels, and support for some PhD researchers will also rise.

Starting the next week, maintenance grants for qualified students will increase by up to €342 between now and May, and the annual grant rate will climb by nearly double that amount.

For the first time in thirteen years, maintenance subsidies for postgraduate students, up to €2,384, will once again be available to those who qualify.

The salary of PhD researchers supported by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council will increase by €3,000.

According to Simon Harris, Minister of Further and Higher Education, qualified undergraduate students' student contribution fee was reduced by €1,000 in addition to the increases.

To assist students who are having financial difficulties because of rising living expenses, Mr. Harris is also announcing a one-time boost to the Student Assistance Fund of about €1.5 million.

“This is a really important increase at a challenging time for families across the nation,” he stated.

“Families are feeling the effects of the rising cost of living. A higher student maintenance grant will be awarded to qualified students as a result of this expenditure, which is part of a larger package of benefits in Budget 2024.”