StudentGrantCalculator.ie

Student grant calculator: see your SUSI rate for 2026/27.

The SUSI grant is decided by fixed income thresholds, not luck. Enter your household’s figures and see the maintenance, fee support and monthly payment you could be awarded.

I’m applying as

Gross income of parents/guardians (or you and your spouse if independent) in 2025, less allowed deductions

Including you, if you’re a dependent student

Brothers, sisters or a parent also studying full-time — not you

Distance from home to college

Measured from your normal residence — the non-adjacent rate is much higher

Worked examples

Income €42,000 · 2 kids · 40km away

Under €47,010 → Band 1 full maintenance, non-adjacent

€4,722/yr + €2,500 fees

Income €55,000 · 5 kids · 10km away

Under €55,940 (4–7 children) → Band 3, adjacent

€975/yr + €2,500 fees

Income €90,000 · 2 kids

Over maintenance bands, under €120,000

€500 off the contribution

Everything else you’ll want to know

Questions people ask

How much is the SUSI grant for 2026/27?

The full (Band 1) maintenance grant is €4,722 a year if you live 30km or more from college, or €1,774 if you live closer. The special rate — for households on a long-term social welfare payment with income under €28,600 — is €7,936 non-adjacent or €3,230 adjacent. Part rates (Bands 2–4) run from €3,532 down to €612.

What income qualifies for a SUSI grant?

For a family with fewer than 4 dependent children, full maintenance requires reckonable income under €47,010, and part maintenance is available up to €58,470. Fee-only support continues further: 100% student contribution under €64,315, 50% under €71,300, and a €500 contribution grant under €120,000. Thresholds rise with more children and with other family members in college.

What is reckonable income?

Your household’s gross income from all sources in the reference tax year (2025 for the 2026/27 academic year) — usually your parents’ income, or yours and your spouse’s if you’re independent. Some things are deducted or disregarded, like pension contributions within limits and the first €8,830 of your own holiday earnings.

How is the SUSI grant paid?

Maintenance is paid monthly into your bank account in 9 instalments across the academic year — a €4,722 grant works out around €525 a month. Fee grants go directly to your college, not to you.

What is the adjacent vs non-adjacent rate?

If your normal residence is 30km or more from your college you get the higher non-adjacent rate; under 30km you get the adjacent rate. The difference is big: €4,722 vs €1,774 for full maintenance.

Do I have to pay the student contribution if I get SUSI?

If you qualify for any maintenance band or for the 100% fee tier, SUSI pays the full €2,500 student contribution for you (2026/27 rate, after Budget 2026’s permanent €500 cut). Households up to €71,300 get half paid; up to €120,000 get €500 off.

When should I apply for SUSI?

Applications for 2026/27 are open now on susi.ie. Apply as early as possible — you don’t need a CAO offer or college place first, and early applicants are assessed in time for the first payment in September (October for PLC).

Is this calculator official?

No. It applies the official 2026/27 income thresholds and rates published by SUSI, but the real assessment considers your full circumstances and documentation. Treat this as a solid first estimate, then apply at susi.ie.