Budget 2027 unveils €34 million support package for students
Minister James Lawless has revealed a comprehensive Budget 2027 package designed to slash college costs and future-proof the Irish workforce for an artificial intelligence-driven economy. The visionary initiative introduces permanent fee reductions alongside targeted grants for working families and multi-student households nationwide.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
•
⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, alongside Minister of State Marian Harkin, has unveiled a landmark Budget 2027 package aimed at alleviating the financial burden of tertiary education for households across Ireland. The sweeping financial strategy introduces a permanent €150 reduction in the student contribution fee, directly benefiting over 110,000 higher education students and 16,000 apprentices. Furthermore, all SUSI maintenance grants will see a 4.5% increase from January, ensuring robust support for day-to-day living costs.
In a major win for multi-student households, families earning up to €150,000 with more than one child in higher education will become eligible for fee support for the first time. Eligible families could see reductions of up to €1,300 annually, with specific grants cutting contribution costs significantly per student. Additional inclusive measures will target student parents and placement expenses, ensuring equitable access to learning pathways regardless of background or personal circumstance.
Beyond immediate cost-of-living relief, the package allocates a €150 million investment over three years from the National Training Fund to prepare Ireland's workforce for the artificial intelligence era. Record funding of €446 million has also been committed to expand apprenticeships and healthcare education places, alongside a historic €925 million capital investment programme to upgrade higher education and research infrastructure across the country.
In a major win for multi-student households, families earning up to €150,000 with more than one child in higher education will become eligible for fee support for the first time. Eligible families could see reductions of up to €1,300 annually, with specific grants cutting contribution costs significantly per student. Additional inclusive measures will target student parents and placement expenses, ensuring equitable access to learning pathways regardless of background or personal circumstance.
Beyond immediate cost-of-living relief, the package allocates a €150 million investment over three years from the National Training Fund to prepare Ireland's workforce for the artificial intelligence era. Record funding of €446 million has also been committed to expand apprenticeships and healthcare education places, alongside a historic €925 million capital investment programme to upgrade higher education and research infrastructure across the country.
0 views