Financing for equity in higher education

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Introduction

Key financing indicators (UIS Data)

In 2022, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education (both sexes) was 76.6%. The initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 15% in 2021, while initial household funding was 0.8% in 2016.

Tuition-free status

While fees for undergraduate students in state-funded higher education institutions were originally abolished in 1996, an annual ‘student services’ charge was introduced and set by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science. Originally a nominal additional fee for registration and examinations, this fee was gradually increased throughout the years to become the annual student contribution charge. Students who are eligible for the Free Fees Initiative are also required to pay a student contribution charge.

Governance

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science sets the policy framework for higher education, with the Higher Education Authority being responsible for the allocation of funding to public universities. Funding is specifically allocated by the Department to the Higher Education Authority and distributed by the Authority to the institutions. The Higher Education Authority was established in 1968 as a key intermediary agency between the state and the universities, with important planning and budgetary responsibilities for the university sector.

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Ireland has a highly centralised funding system, with both schools and universities financed directly by the central government.

2. Education resources to institutions

Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions

State funds are not paid to private institutions, unless they are successful in bidding for certain competitive funding streams such as Springboard, an initiative to provide higher education in key skill areas for the unemployed. Springboard+ (initially launched in 2011) is one of the initiatives designed to meet current and future skill needs of the Irish economy. Funding is allocated to Springboard+ from the National Training Fund on an annual basis, providing free or 90% funded upskilling and reskilling courses to develop the talent base in Ireland in key growth sectors of the economy by supporting those who are unemployed or Returners to gain sustainable employment. Springboard programmes are on offer in both public and private higher education providers.

Allocation and equity

State-funded higher education institutions are financed by the Higher Education Authority through the Recurrent Grant Allocation Model, which includes the block grant; top slices (funding ring-fenced for specific purposes); and performance-based funding. The single grant allocation (block grant) includes the ‘free fees grant’ and funding to support research and access.

Since 2007, higher education institutions have been gathering additional information on students’ social, economic and cultural backgrounds to  advise the allocation of the financial resources required to support students from target groups in their participation in higher education. Students in the target categories attract an additional 33% of the standard funding provided for each student, which is identified within the overall recurrent grant allocated by the Higher Education Authority to each institution each year. The target categories are new entrants from target socio-economic groups (currently those from non-manual worker backgrounds and semi and unskilled manual worker backgrounds); students with disabilities in receipt of the fund for students with disabilities; mature students (23 years or older); and members of the Irish Traveller community.

Performance-based funding was established in 2013, allowing for the withholding of up to 10% of the allocated block grant (including free fees) based on verified performance against agreed targets for the preceding year.

Fund for Students with Disabilities

The Fund for Students with Disabilities is one of the main funding sources supporting the participation of students with disabilities in approved higher education courses in Ireland. Initially established in 1994, it provides funding to higher education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities so that they can access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study. Funding to higher education institutions is allocated based on the number of students with disabilities who require support as evidenced by a needs assessment. The funding can be used to provide supports and accommodations for assistive technology, equipment and software, non-medical helpers, academic or learning support, deaf supports and transport. It is co-funded by the European Social Fund and has been managed by the Higher Education Authority, on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, since 2004.

Funding the Future

In 2022, the government approved the ‘Funding the Future’ policy, which commits to increasing sustainable core funding to higher education institutions. Priority policy strands include enhancing student participation and success with a focus on under-represented groups and addressing cost as a barrier to higher education and improving student supports.

3. Education resources to students

Admission for vulnerable groups

Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college admission scheme for school-leavers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds that are under-represented in higher education. Under HEAR, some third-level places are reserved for school-leavers on a reduced points basis (eligibility to a university course with fewer than the full CAO points needed). There are 6 indicators to qualify for the HEAR scheme: total family income; student, parent or guardian medical card; social welfare payment; socio-economic group identified as under-represented in higher education (i.e. care-experienced, members of the Traveller Community, members of the Roma Community, young parents, applicants who are both HEAR and DARE eligible); completion of at least 5 years in a DEIS school; and residing in an area where there is concentrated disadvantage.

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is an alternative third-level admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second-level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education. Disabilities considered under DARE include: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Autistic Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger’s Syndrome); blind or vision impaired; deaf or hearing impaired; Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) – Dyspraxia; dyscalculia or significant numeracy difficulties; dyslexia or significant literacy difficulties; mental health condition; neurological condition (including brain injury and epilepsy); physical disability; significant ongoing illness; speech and language communication disorder. However, only a few applicants for DARE funding are from socioeconomically disadvantaged families or school contexts.

Applicants who are eligible for both DARE and HEAR are prioritised by the participating colleges and universities when offering their reduced points places.

Since 2005, there have additionally been three national plans for equity of access in higher education with the goal to support students from priority groups to access higher education and have an inclusive experience with a successful outcome. The latest 2022-28 National Action Plan: A Strategic Access Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education sets specific targets for the following groups: 1) new entrants from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, 2) new mature entrants from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, 3) new entrants with a disability, and 4) new entrants from the Traveller community.

Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups

Direct financial support is provided to students attending state-funded higher education institutions through various schemes. Fee grants are paid directly to the institutions, whereas maintenance grants are paid to students.

Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. Established in 2012, SUSI is a business unit of City of Dublin ETB and administers funding in line with the legislation as set out in the 2011 Student Support Act and the annual Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations. 

Student Grant Scheme

The Student Grant Scheme is the main financial support scheme for students studying in full-time higher education courses in Ireland or abroad. To qualify, students must meet the nationality condition (with the exception of students with a refugee or immigration status), residence condition, and means test (based on student and family gross income). They must additionally be attending an approved course of study and progressing from their previous level of study.

Grants are divided into maintenance grants and fee grants. Maintenance grants help students with their living costs, while fee grants pay tuition fees for students who do not qualify for the Free Fees Scheme. Fee grants can also pay the student contribution and the cost of essential field trips. The Student Grant Scheme is administered by the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. Established in 2012, SUSI is a business unit of City of Dublin ETB and administers funding in line with the legislation set out in the 2011 Student Support Act and the annual Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations. 

Student Assistance Fund

The Student Assistance Fund, initially established in 1994, is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It provides financial support to full- or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending higher education, covering costs such as books and class materials, rent and utility bills, food, essential travel, childcare costs, and medical costs. Tuition fees, registration fees, student loan repayments are not covered. Part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups identified in the 2022-28 National Access Plan: A Strategic Action Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education (such as mature students from disadvantaged areas; students with intellectual disabilities; members of the Roma community; those who have experience of the care system, homelessness, and the criminal justice system; students who are survivors of domestic violence; students who are carers; and migrants and refugees) are also encouraged to apply.

Funding is administered at the local level by higher education institutions, subject to Higher Education Authority guidelines. Student Assistance Fund allocations to higher education institutions are calculated using figures for the total student population and Deprivation Index Scores (DIS).

The 1916 Bursary Fund

The 1916 Bursary, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, is a financial award to encourage the participation and success of students from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education.

To be eligible for a 1916 Bursary, applicants must meet financial, priority group and college entry eligibility criteria. Eligibility is specifically for first time entrants to higher education who are from one or more of the following priority groups: students from socio-economically disadvantaged communities that have low levels of participation in higher education, including those who have experienced homelessness, the care system, survivors of domestic violence, and those who have experience of the criminal justice system; socio-economic groups that have low participation rates in higher education; students with a disability; students who are carers; QQI or Further Education award holders; lone and/or teen parents in receipt of a long-term means-tested social welfare payment; members of the Irish Traveller Community; members of the Roma Community; first time, mature student entrants and 2nd chance mature students; and students who are migrants, refugees or who are from ethnic minorities who are lawfully present in the state.

Back to Education Allowance

Students who are unemployed, parenting alone or have a disability and in receipt of certain payments from the Department of Social Protection may be eligible for a Back to Education Allowance, allowing them to take part in a further or higher education course.

Student Support Scheme for Students in the International Protection Process

The Student Support Scheme for People in the International Protection System provides financial support to students who are in the protection system or at the leave-to-remain (but not deportation order) stage. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science Pilot Support Scheme was introduced in 2015, providing financial grants for prospective students who are in the broad international protection system. It was renamed the Student Support Scheme in July 2020 and is now established as a permanent scheme.

4. Support for students’ living costs

Transportation

The Student Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for student transport costs.

Accommodation

Maintenance grants under the Student Grant Scheme support students with their living costs. The Student Assistance Fund can additionally be claimed for rent expenses.

Textbooks

The Student Assistance Fund covers student expenses for books and class materials.

This profile has been reviewed by Professor Selina McCoy (Economic and Social Research Institute, Ireland).

Última modificación:

Mar, 03/03/2026 - 09:02