College Types
Funding for your Further Education can be an important consideration for anyone contemplating their future in third level education. It’s a good idea to work out a budget for your time at college, before you go. Take into consideration obvious costs such as accommodation, food, travel, books, field trips etc. Also remember that whilst we are lucky enough to have free education in this country, every student has to pay a yearly registration fee of several hundred euros.
As a student you may be entitled to some financial help towards your study. Check out the following:
Higher and Further Education Grants
Many people will be entitled to a Higher or Further Education grant to help with the cost of studying, and since the closing date is the end of August - now is the time to apply. Grants are only available for approved, full – time courses and for students who meet certain eligibility criteria. This can include status in the country, qualifications already held and reckonable income.
The grant is means tested and based on the income of the home. The top limit for grant eligibility where there are less than 4 dependent children is €49,690. If you live at home (irrespective of your age) then you will be assessed on your parent’s means. Your reckonable income takes into account salaries, social welfare payments, property owned, self employment etc. How much you get is also dependent on how close you live to the college – a higher (non adjacent) rate is paid to those who have to move away from home in order to study.
Value of Grant - 2008/2009
|
Non Adjacent Rate |
Adjacent Rate |
Full Maintenance |
€3,420 |
€1,370 |
Part Maintenance (75%) |
€2,565 |
€1,030 |
Part Maintenance (50%) |
€1,710 |
€685 |
Part Maintenance (25%) |
€855 |
€345 |
In addition to the standard grant, disadvantaged students may also be entitled to a top up grant of €3,270. This is an extra sum of money paid to people whom the Department of Education deem particularly disadvantaged, and includes candidates in receipt of social welfare and mature students.
The income threshold for this special rate is €20,147. Administered by the County Councils and Vocational Educational Committees, who you apply to for a grant depends on the type of college you are attending. University Degree courses for example, are administered by your local council. As with all forms, certain documentary evidence is required, which includes the candidate’s long birth certificate, parents or candidates tax details, proof of residence etc. A full list of required documentation is provided with the application.
Back to Education Allowance
If you have been in receipt of a Social Welfare payment for a period of 6 – 12 months (depending on whether you are applying for a further or higher education course) you may be entitled to the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). This is in effect a social welfare payment, which entitles you to keep your benefits and study at the same time.
Funds and Scholarships
Fund for Students with Disabilities: This fund provides grants for students who have serious sensory, physical or learning disabilities. The aim is to provide those students with assistance and/or equipment to enable them to complete their course of study. Applications for assistance are made by the Disability Officer in the student’s third level institution, or by the Principal in the students PLC College.
The Millennium Partnership Fund for Disadvantage: This fund supports students from disadvantaged areas to stay in further or higher education, and is usually managed by local partnership groups.
Student Assistance Fund: The objective of this fund is to assist students who because of financial reasons suffer severe hardship or are unable to continue their third level studies. Application for funding is made when the student is in college (not prior to commencement) and should be addressed to the Access/Disability Officer in the particular College or University.
General Scholarships: A range of scholarships are available such as the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust and the Donagh O’ Malley Scholarship. These are offered on a competitive basis, have specific selection criteria such as studying through Irish, and are only available for certain courses.
Tax Relief
Tax Relief, at the standard rate of tax is available on third level tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved higher education colleges. Tax Relief also applies to p/t courses.
Summer and Part-Time Work
Many students work to support themselves through College, for example you could consider getting a job on the campus itself during term time. Another alternative is to work during the summer months, at home or abroad. Working in the States or UK for the summer is a great way to see the world, earn valuable transferrable skills and make some money into the bargain.
Further Information
Grant applications can be obtained from your local County Council or Vocational Educational Committee.
Other useful resources include:
• www.studentfinance.ie
• www.education.ie
• www.citizensinformation.ie
• www.welfare.ie
• www.boi.com/millenniumscholars.com
• www.revenue.ie
