STUDENTS have voiced fury over a Government decision to freeze grants for a second year in a row.

Despite rising education costs, grant payments will stay the same, affecting around 60,000 students.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has said the decision will result in fewer people being able to access third level education.

The rates, of between €345 and €6,690, have stalled despite an increase in the cost of attending colleges and universities.

Third level costs have jumped by nearly 11pc in the last two years. This includes a 5pc rise in the last year, despite deflationary trends.

Defending the freeze, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe said the aim was to widen access to college as much as possible within budget constraints by increasing income thresholds in line with average wage increases.

Downturn

"The cost of living is coming down and that has to be a factor in any assessment of how far these grant payments go," a spokesman for the Minister said.

"The income limits have been increased despite the economic downturn. We're going to have more applicants this year, but the aim has been to target supports at those who need them most."

As students prepare for the upcoming term, the USI said many would be left struggling.

It predicted a widening gap between the cost of attending college and the grant aid available, which could lead to poorer students opting out.

"Rents might be falling, but students are looking at much higher costs for books, lab equipment and costs," said USI president Peter Mannion.

"Then there's the outrageous 66pc hike in the registration fee to €1,500 for those who don't qualify for grants, which is more than many European countries charge in tuition fees."

The household income limit below which students qualify for the grant has risen by 11pc to €22,308. There is no estimate of how many students are eligible or the effect rising unemployment will have on the numbers applying for the grant.

Eligibility could be restricted next year by assessment changes for some applications.

These include means testing for farmers' children and the inclusion of some social welfare income in means testing.

Last year, around 56,000 students qualified for grants.

The highest rates are €6,690 for those studying away from home.

aphelan@herald.ie.

- Andrew Phelan