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STUDENT FINANCE

You have gained a place in a third level institution and are wondering if there is any financial assistance available. We have compiled a few guides to answer some of your questions and give a brief description on the Student Grant System.

Rough Guide to College Grants

Student Financial Support

Commonly Asked Questions 

Budget 2012 introduced additional changes to student support schemes

• registration  fees for third level students increased by €250 to €2,250
• Maintenance Grant for new postgraducate students has been abolished

Budget 2011 introduced serveral changes to student support schemes.

• Grant is reduced by 4%. This reduction applies to all existing and new grant-holders from January 2011.
• A new eligibility category is added to the family income limits for exemption from 50% of the new Student Contribtion.
• The qualifying distance between home and college for the non-adjacent rate of grant is increased from 24km to 45km.
• Mature students will no longer be elgible for the non-adjacent rate of grant.

There is detailed information on the website studentfinance.ie
or
Contact your local VEC office, County Council Office.

The Youth Information Centre stock application forms, provide information on income limits and applying as a mature student. We can help filling out forms or answer any queries you may have.

You can also download Maintenance Grant forms from www.studentfinance.ie

Educational Maintenance Grants

Higher Education Grants - covers approved level 8 degree and nursing courses from most Higher Education Institutions in Ireland and certain courses pursued in approved educational institutions within the EU. You apply to your local County Council.

VEC Scholarships/ T.L.T. & Post Leaving Certificate Grants - covering approved courses in Institutes of Technology and Post Leaving Certificate Courses. These Grants cover approved courses from level 5 to level 7. You apply to your local VEC.

Back to Education Programmes

The Department of Social & Family Affairs offers VTOS and the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). You apply to your local social welfare office.

For eligibility and information on all finance options check the above publication 'Student Financial Support'.