Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has urged eligible students to claim the €500 subsidy that only 25% have claimed so far. 

Following last year’s Budget, some 40,000 students with a household income between €62,000 and €100,000 are eligible for a €500 grant to go towards their college fees. 

Despite that, the Department of Further and Higher Education have said recent figures suggest 10,000 have applied so far. 

Speaking today, Mr Harris said the Department has been “working hard to reduce the cost of going to college for students and their families”. 

“That’s why we have brought in important changes for this academic year so that more people can avail of the supports available. 

“Today I am encouraging students and their families to go to susi.ie and to use the eligibility reckoner and take advantage of the supports that are there to reduce the cost of education.” 

Students from households earning a maximum €62,000 are eligible for a €1,500 grant towards their student contribution fee. 

At €3,000 per year, college students in Ireland pay the highest fees in the EU after Brexit, according to a report by the EU Commission.  

Some 40% of Irish students don’t have to pay fees through means-tested grants, however, according to that report. 

The Department of Education have pushed for a reduction to the student contribution fee and an increase in grants available.