Ten things mature students need to know about student grants

Posted on July 06, 2011 at 02:54 PM

Some important changes have been taking place in how student grants are being administered. In previous years there were four different grant schemes, whereas this year there is only one scheme. The new student grant scheme was launched on June 27th this year. The website Studentfinance is an excellent source of information on grants and finance for all third level students. Here are ten things you need to know if you're applying for a grant.

Apply early: September may seem like a long time away, but the Department of Education and Skills advises all students to apply early to avoid delays in having your grant processed.

Make sure you are eligible: It may sound like an obvious one, but many grant applications are rejected because the applicant isn't eligible. For example, if you're on the Back to Education Allowance and applying for a new course, or moving from second to third level BTEA then you're not eligible for a Maintenance Grant. The Studentfinance website allows you to check your eligibility before you download an application form. Important: you should still apply for the grant in order to have your Student Contribution Charge (formerly Registration Fees) paid, as otherwise you will have to pay this charge (€2,000) yourself.

You don't have to have been offered a place to apply for the grant: As long as you have applied for a place on an approved course, go ahead with your application.

You may be able to apply online: You can apply for a grant through your local authority or VEC. This year, 35 of the grant awarding authorities are processing applications directly online. Click here to find out if your application can be processed online. Studentfinance has also set up an online helpdesk if you have any problems. If your local grant awarding authority isn't included on the list, then just download the form from the Studentfinance website and send it into the relevant authority.

All grants have been reduced - Budget 2011 reduced the rate of all student grants by 4%. This applies to all mature students - whether you are a new applicant or an existing student.

Mature students no longer automatically qualify for the non adjacent rate: according to Budget 2011, mature students are no longer automatically eligible for the non adjacent rate of the Student Maintenance Grant. This also applies to you if you have been on a VTOS allowance. Effectively this means that you must be living at least 45 km from your chosen educational institution in order to qualify for the non adjacent rate. In June 2011 the government estimates that there are approximately 6,900 mature students living 45 km or less from their chosen educational institution.

You may be eligible for the Special Rate of Maintenance grant: If you qualify as a disadvantaged student (including mature students) then you may be eligible for this grant, also known as the 'Top up' grant. Students must meet specific criteria regarding income etc. More information is available in the Student grant scheme.

Check everything: Make sure that you have filled out the form correctly and completely. Check that you have included all supporting documentation requested.

Complete your course acceptance form: Once you have been offered a place, you'll need to fill out this form and return it to the relevant grant awarding authority.

If in doubt: Contact the grants section of your local VEC or local authority if you have any questions. If you can apply directly online for the grant, there is also a helpdesk facility available through the Studentfinance website.

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