ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer System. It is an academic credit system based on the estimated student workload required to achieve the objectives and learning outcomes of a module or programme of study.

It is used by universities in Ireland and Europe to assign credits to a programme or module.

The number of ECTS credits undertaken during the academic year will determine the funding available to you for that year.

A fee contribution is available to eligible students based on the number of European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits undertaken by them during the academic year.

The fee contribution grant you are eligible for will not exceed the cost of the course. Please see examples below.

Example 1 - If you are undertaking 16 credits and your course costs €3,000, SUSI will pay your college €2,250 and you will pay the balance of €750 to your college.

Example 2 - If you are undertaking 16 credits and your course costs €1,400, SUSI will pay your college €1,400.

The table below shows the maximum funding available for eligible students.

To be eligible for a fee contribution, you must meet the following eligibility criteria.

Nationality

You must be an Irish, EU, EEA, UK or Swiss national or have a specific immigration status or leave to remain permission from the Department of Justice.

Residency

You must have been resident in the Irish State, the EU, EEA, UK or Swiss Federation for three of the last five years. 

Income

Your total reckonable household income must fall below specific income thresholds.

The below table outlines the maximum thresholds for an undergraduate part-time fee contribution grant.

Previous Education and Progression

You must be progressing in your education by attending an approved course:

• that leads to a higher level of qualification than any you may already hold;
• that is at a higher level than any course you may have previously attended;
• in which you are progressing in your studies and not repeating any part of a course, except in exceptional circumstances.

A maximum period of grant assistance is available to you at each level of study.

Approved Part-Time Undergraduate Courses

You must be attending an approved course in an approved institution. 

View the full list of approved undergraduate part-time courses.

• Create your Account in your SUSI Student Portal

Before you start your application, you must create an account in your SUSI student portal.

• Submit your Application

Check our guide to completing the application form.

• Return Requested Documents

You may receive a letter with a checklist detailing documents required to finalise your application. Your Guide to Supporting Documents will explain what documents are accepted.

• Receive your Grant Decision

Your application may be:

Awarded - An award letter is issued to you offering you a grant and highlighting further steps you may need to take before your grant can be paid.

Refused - A refusal letter is issued to you. This letter will also highlight the further steps you may take if you wish to review or appeal your grant decision.

SUSI will pay the fee contribution directly to your college.

This payment will be made when we receive confirmation from your college of the number of ECTS credits you undertook during the academic year.