Third Level students who are entitled to a grant are being advised to apply to SUSI immediately as they have just one week left to submit their applications for the upcoming college year. The deadline has been moved forward by a month and all applications must now be in by Thursday, August 1st.

Fianna Fáil Deputy Niall Collins said that given the chaos we saw with the SUSI system last year, it is imperative that any Limerick student who meets the criteria for a grant gets their applications in immediately.

“This is particularly important for incoming first-year students or students in changing circumstances who are not already in the grant system,” Deputy Collins said.

The SUSI grant application system was plagued with problems, unprecedented delays, chaotic communication and appalling mismanagement over the last academic year. Thousands of students waited for months for their grant payment this year and for many, the college year was actually nearly over before they saw any sign of their grant.

It caused enormous problems for the students affected, with many struggling to register properly for their third level course as a result, some denied access to essential college services, others experiencing problems registering for exams and some students forced to drop out of college altogether as a result of the chaos.

“We can only hope that after a year, the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn has finally brought this situation under control and the grant awarding system will be functional and more efficient this year. I am urging students to ensure that they submit all the necessary paperwork so they do not suffer needless delays,” the Limerick deputy said.

Grant applications can be made online at www.susi.ie. Deputy Collins said any students in his constituency who needs help with their application can call his office.