Some 435,000 students will be able to claim a grant for the next academic year, now senators have voted unanimously in favour of the plan.

The new basic grant is €274.90 per month for all students who live out and €110.30 for those who live at home. College and university students from households where the annual income is less than €70,000 will also be able to apply for a top-up grant of up to €416 per month.

In addition, all live-out students will be given an extra monthly payment of €164.30 to offset the cost of higher energy and food bills during the next year. 

Read more about the changes, in English

The move means a ‘major improvement’, in students’ financial positions, education minister Robbert Dijkgraaf said. “A fixed amount a month offers perspective and a good start.” 

Since 2015, students have had to borrow to fund their degree courses, and run up an average debt of around €25,000 by the time they graduate.

Some students who did their degrees during the period without grants are entitled to €1,436 in compensation. 

In addition the repayment scheme for student loans is being reformed so that university, college and trade school students all fall under the same system.

Applications for grants will open on the DUO student financing website on June 19.

The government expects the reintroduction of grants will cost €1 billion a year, plus €500 million for this year’s extra support measures.