Quick facts
- For
- Full-time Teagasc Level 5 or 6 courses
- Covers
- Living costs, not fees
- Farm income
- Averaged over the last 3 years
- Income limits and rates
- Same as the SUSI grant
- Closing date
- 30 September 2026
- Apply to
- Teagasc, not SUSI
Why it is better than SUSI for farm families
The income limits and grant rates are the same as the SUSI Student Grant Scheme. The difference is how your income is worked out.
"However, Teagasc will average farm income or income from self-employment over the last 3 years when looking at income for the means test for the grant." One good year does not rule you out.
SUSI adds back some deductions Revenue allows, which pushes your income up. Teagasc does not add back these:
- Payments to family labour
- Finance lease payments
- Interest on capital expenditure
- Depreciation
On a farm, depreciation and family labour can be large. Leaving them out can be the difference between qualifying and not.
Who qualifies
You must be on a full-time Teagasc Level 5 or Level 6 course, and meet the SUSI rules on nationality, residency and progression. Then you pass the Teagasc means test.
"It does not cover course fees." It is for living costs only.
How much, and how it is paid
The rates are the SUSI rates. Which one you get depends on distance. "If you normally live more than 30 kilometres from the college you are attending, you will receive non-adjacent rates." Under 30 kilometres, you get the lower adjacent rate.
"Payments are made at 3 stages over the college year and are calculated based on daily attendance, including both online and face-to-face classes." Missed days can cost you.
How to apply
Post the completed form to Teagasc Maintenance Grant, PO Box 46, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 FV48. The guidance notes are on the Teagasc website.
"So, you cannot apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) to be means tested for a Teagasc Student Maintenance Grant."
Going from Level 5 to Level 6? You fill in the renewal form sent out in early September. "Up to 20% of students who qualified for a student maintenance grant in 2025/2026 will be reassessed for the 2026/2027 academic year."
Queries go to teagascmaintenancegrant@southwestern.ie or 0818 161 000.
Common questions
When does the Teagasc Maintenance Grant close?
The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026. Applications usually open each July.
Is the Teagasc grant means-tested differently from SUSI?
Yes. Farm or self-employed income is averaged over the last 3 years, and depreciation, family labour, finance lease payments and interest on capital spending are not added back.
Does the Teagasc grant cover fees?
No. It helps with living costs only.
How much is the Teagasc Maintenance Grant?
The same rates as the SUSI Student Grant Scheme. You get non-adjacent rates if you live more than 30 kilometres from the college.
Can I apply for the Teagasc grant through SUSI?
No. You apply to Teagasc directly, by post.
How is the grant paid?
In 3 stages over the college year, through your college, based on daily attendance.