The grant is due to be announced today.

200,000 third-level students in Ireland are set to claim a one-off Covid-19 grant of up to €250 in time for Christmas. The grant, which is due to be announced later on today, will allow thousands of full time students, including those studying post-grad, to avail of the one-off payment. According to The Irish Times, the payments are aimed at providing financial assistance to students for the uncertainty they have experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the focus on distance learning this year. The new scheme, worth €50 million, will see students availing of the Susi grant getting a €250 top-up in their grant this year. According to the Independent, students who do not receive the Susi grant will reportedly get €250 off their outstanding contribution fee, or receive a €250 credit note for their college. This funding was first announced in last month's Budget 2021 by Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris, however details of how the funds are to be distributed are just now being reported. “The majority of college will be online for this semester and we will provide financial assistance through a €50m fund," Harris said at the time.  “For students, this year has been like no other." The new scheme is expected to be formally announced by Minister Harris today.