OVER 3,800 STUDENTS received grants to undertake postgraduate education in the last school year, receiving some €14.5 million between them.

The figures include new and renewal postgraduate students and were supplied to the Department of Education by the grant awarding authorities (local authorities, Vocational Education Committees and Student Universal Support Ireland).

The Education Minister Ruairi Quinn revealed the figures to Dáil in answer to a question from Fine Gael TD Terence Flanagan.

Due to cuts in Budget 2012, applicants were only able to claim a maximum of €6,270 and would not be eligible for maintenance grant payments.

The minister added that the threshold for such grants is family income of €31,500, rising based on dependants.

“Those who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270,” he said.

Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners. In addition to this, the Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.

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