A NUMBER of changes are set to be introduced to the application process for the student maintenance grant to make it more ‘student friendly.’

This news was confirmed by local Fianna Fáil TD Margaret Conlon who was made aware of the changes by the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan TD. “The changes being introduced will make the process a lot more student friendly and I am glad that the Tánaiste is taking such swift action to ensure that the kinds of delays experienced by students are not witnessed again this year,” stated Deputy Conlon.

Changes being introduced for the upcoming academic year include the early announcement of the 2010 schemes and application forms to facilitate students making early applications. There will also be more user friendly application forms; and a new payment process which will see advance payments being made to awarding authorities. “These changes will ensure that the application process is simplified and that county councils and VECs are in a position to get funding to students quicker. They will be front loaded with funding to enable them to make grant payments to students without delay,” Deputy Conlon added.

Income limits for maintenance grants and payment of the student services charge are to remain unchanged this year also, despite the downward trend in average earnings. Parents of legal guardians with fewer than four dependent children can earn up to €51,380 without having to pay the student services charge. All CAO applicants will be contacted directly to encourage early grant application and Deputy Conlon is urging all prospective third level students to get their applications in early. The student grant schemes will be available on www.studentfinance.ie from this week and the application form and guidance notes are already available to download and complete.

“More than 57,000 students will receive financial support from the Government under the student grant schemes this year. 2009/10 saw the largest ever jump of 8.3% in those applying for third level courses. The numbers accepting honours degree programme places was up 51% on 2000. The number of students accepting places on computing and science course is up 25% on last year with science at its highest levels in ten years. “Fianna Fáil in Government has always prioritised education and I am delighted that this move is being taken to make the maintenance grant application swifter and easier,” concluded Deputy Conlon.