Farrell encourages students to apply early for SUSI grants

Fine Gael TD, Alan Farrell has called on Fingal students who will be attending college from September this year to apply early for their college grants through Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).

Deputy Farrell said, “SUSI college grant applications are now being accepted from students all over the country who will be attending college in September 2013.

“A number of new measures are being implemented this year to reduce the backlog including;

– a tracking system to allow students to follow its progress online;

– enhanced reporting mechanisms;

– a direct link with the Revenue Commissions;

– a direct link with the Central Applications Office (CAO) and;

– a new communications plan to engage all stakeholders in the process of delivering grants, making the overall system much more accessible.”

“It is worth noting that applicants do not have to wait until they receive an offer of a place or enroll in college. SUSI have put together a comprehensive package of information available on their website for students who might be or will be attending college later this year.

“I am be appealing to students to ensure their application forms are filled out correctly and to ensure that SUSI fill the information vacuum that currently exists for much of the information that is required during the application process.

“Applications can be submitted online by accessing the Student Grant section of www.studentfinance.ie. I am urging Dublin Fingal students who intend to avail of the education grant scheme for September entry to apply through SUSI as soon as possible”, concluded Deputy Farrell.

Step 1: Who should apply to SUSI? If you are a new student or changing course you should apply to SUSI through www.studentfinance.ie If you were awarded a grant by SUSI in 2012/13 you must login with the username and password of your awarded grant application. A letter issued to you recently with your username. There is a forgotten password function on the system which will send an email to the email account you used when registering in 2012/13. If you are currently in receipt of a grant from an Awarding Authority other than SUSI and are continuing on the same course you will remain with your existing awarding authority. You should contact your awarding authority regarding the renewal of your grant.

Step 2: If you are a new student you must register (You will need your PPS Number). If you were awarded a grant by SUSI in 2012/13 you must login with the username and password of your awarded grant application.

Step 3: Log into the system and complete your application. Note: you can save your progress and return to the application at anytime.

Step 4: After you submit your application, the system will send you an email with a copy of your application for information purposes only.

Step 5:

The SUSI assessment team will contact you by post after they have completed the initial assessment of your application. Following this initial assessment you may be asked to submit photocopies of documentary evidence to support your application.