Friday, 16 May, 2008

Financial Supports

Returning to Education can have considerable financial impact on adult learners. Information on grants and funding can often be very confusing. This section of the website aims to help you the adult learner overcome the financial hurdles so that you can reach your goal and achieve your educational potential by offering you comprehensive advice that is easy to understand.

Free Fees Initiative

This is a state sponsored scheme. The state pays for the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending full-time third level education for the first time. Learners must be taking a full-time course that is more than two years in duration and they must be an EU national.

You will have to pay a Student Service Charge to the institution you plan to attend before commencing, if you don't qualify for a maintenance grant. Prospective learners should contact the institution to see how much this. Non Irish nationals should visit www.education.ie to find out if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unfortunately fees are payable in full for part-time studies at present, however the political climate suggests that this may change soon.

Tax Relief

Tax relief can be claimed on tuition fees up to a maximum fee limit of roughly €5000. Learners can claim up to 20% of course fees back through tax relief however learners are advised to contact their local tax office in relation to this as he course must be ran from or in conjunction with approved. To get a full list of approved courses for the 2008 scheme for claiming tax relief students should visit www.revenue.ie

Maintenance Grants

There are four schemes currently funded by the Department of Education and Science (DES) which provide maintenance grants schemes to full-time students -

The Higher Education Grants Scheme
Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees
Vocational Education Committee's Scholarship Scheme
Maintenance Grants Scheme for Students attending PLC courses

To apply for one of these grants you must be studying in a college recognized by DES. These grants are administered by your local VEC or local authority. Check with your chosen college whether it is the VEC or local authority who is administering your grant. A Special Rates Maintenance Grant also known as the Top Up grant is also available to more disadvantaged students in further and higher education.

For information on rates of the grants, eligibility and more visit www.education.ie or click here to download a copy of the AONTAS Information Booklet.

The Back to Education Allowance

The BTEA scheme allows you to hold onto your Social Welfare payment and return to approved full-time second and third level courses.
For third level courses you need to be in receipt of specified benefits before you commence a course. For more information on this scheme visit www.welfare.ie

Additional Supports

The Millennium Partnership Fund

This is a fund which supports people living in disadvantaged areas with a view to helping them overcome financial obstacles and obtaining a qualification. This fund is administered by Local Area Based Partnership and Community Groups listed on Pobal's website (www.pobal.ie). You should normally apply to this fund for a specific outgoing e.g. course fees, transport or childcare. It is possible to get assistance from this fund if you are in receipt of other funding however there is no guarantee you will get this every year.

For further information on this fund click here to download a copy of the AONTAS Information Booklet contact the Educational Co-ordinator within your local Partnership.

The Student Assistant Fund

This is funded by the NDP, it is specifically aimed at students that are experiencing financial hardship while in college. Students are recommended to contact the Access Officer or go to the Student Services Offices within their institution

The NOVA Fund

Nova stands for the National Office for Victims of Abuse. To date 12.7m has been made available to provide educational programmes to Former Residents and their families. This fund is being administered through NOVA, application forms can be obtained from NOVA and you, your spouse and your children may qualify for funding under the Criteria of Eligiblity that has been set down by the committee. To read more about this fund click here.

St Vincent De Paul

This organisation provides financial assistance for education and training. Applicants can apply to the Education Officer in the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. In order to apply applicant s need to enclose a letter, outlining what they are studying and what factors are inhibiting their studies. Generally this fund is reserved for learners who have not been successful with other agencies. For more information visit www.svp.ie

SIPTU

Member of SIPTU can apply for scholarships, awards can be made of up to €1000. For more information on this scheme visit the Education and Support Scheme on their website www.siptu.ie

IMPACT

Members of IMPACT can apply for a grant for specific courses. For more information on eligibility criteria visit www.impact.ie

Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust

The Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust will award funding towards educational and living costs, substantially relieving those who are awarded a scholarship of the costs of participating in higher education.

DDDA Third Level Higher Education Scheme

This scheme is only open to residents living in the Dublin Docklands catchment and immediate hinterland area. Applicants who intend to pursue fulltime education must have obtained a place on one of the approved courses on the basis of Leaving Certificate results obtained in the year of entry. The criteria for selection will be academic achievement, financial circumstances and motivation. Over the years applications have increased and therefore deadlines of application must be adhered to. If you wish to participate in this programme you must contact the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) for an application form. Applicant should once again check closing dates with the DDDA prior to making an application. Applicants must also be available to attend interview. For further information on this grant visit www.dublindocklands.ie

For more information on any of the above visit www.studentfinance.ie