Major new opportunities for third level students

Fine Gael councillor Phyll Bugler has welcomed a record €4.5bn allocated for the higher education sector, which she described as a big win for students in Tipperary North.

Councillor Bugler said: “Budget 2025 is a game-changer and Fine Gael is absolutely committed to making sure everyone pursuing education has the chance to succeed. We’re opening up access to grants by raising the SUSI income thresholds by 15%, which means thousands more students can qualify for financial support.

“Slashing the student contribution fee by €1,000 will go a long way in easing the pressure on families in Tipperary North paying for college. Postgraduate students are set to benefit too, with the grant rising from €4,000 to €5,000. Scholarshipswill now count for more, as the first €5,000 of any scholarship won’t be included in the means test for grants any longer. And we’re making education more inclusive - €5m is being committed to a disability support package, including a pilot programme to ensure that students, no matter their challenges, can access higher education.

“But that’s not all,” Cllr Bugler said, “we’re tackling the student housing crisis by dedicating €7.5m to accommodation initiatives and continuing the 50% travel fare discount for students through to the end of 2025. Apprenticeships are also getting a big boost with €336m in total funding, and we’re reducing the registration fees by a third, from €1,000 to €667.

“To top it off, businesses in Tipperary North will benefit from a €20m Skills Package, helping local companies upskill their workforce and compete in the global economy.

“This is a win-win for students and businesses alike.

“These initiatives represent the future of Tipperary North’s education and workforce - ensuring that students and businesses alike are equipped for success,” Councillor Bugler concluded.