Working for Work : Chapter 6 : Training & Education

Grants and Funds available for Mature Students

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If you wish to enter or return to third-level education and you are over 23 years of age, Irish third-level colleges have places on their courses for mature students. You will have to consider the costs of fees and maintenance depending on whether you are going to do a full-time or a part-time course. If you are leaving work to study full-time you may be eligible for a third-level maintenance grant.

If you do not qualify for a maintenance grant and you are doing a full-time undergraduate course you may be eligible for free fees. (If you are applying for an undergraduate course you are not eligible for a maintenance grant or free fees if you have already completed an undergraduate course.)

If you are applying for a postgraduate course you will have to pay fees unless you get a maintenance grant. You will also have to pay fees if you are intending to study part-time or do a distance learning course. If you do have to pay fees you may be able to get tax relief at the standard rate.

i People who are getting Back to Education Allowance and those on Post-Leaving Certificate courses who are getting VTOS allowances will not be eligible for student support grants. However, this does not affect any entitlement they may have to exemption from college fees or student support charges. This applies to all new grant-holders from 2010 onwards.

Help with Fees and Maintenance

The main schemes that apply to mature students (generally persons over 23 years of age) are:

  • The Higher Education Grants Scheme, which is available to students who plan to study full time on approved third-level courses (of at least two years' duration), including mature students
  • The Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme, which generally applies to students who have completed a Level 6 (National Certificate) or a Level 7 (National Diploma) course and are progressing to an approved degree course
  • If you are getting an unemployment, one-parent family or disability payment the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows you to study at second and third level without losing your benefits. You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the BTEA

Other Funds

There are a number of other funds available to support you in your return to third-level education. These include:

Fund for students with disabilities

If you have a physical disability, you may be entitled to some financial support. The Department of Education and Skills administers a special fund that helps students with disabilities during the period of their studies.

Student Assistance Fund

The Student Assistance Fund is for students who, having commenced a third-level course, experience financial hardship and, therefore, may be unable to continue their third-level studies. Applications for funding should be made by the individual student to the access/disability officer in their institution. The Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

Where to apply

  • Contact the mature students officer or the admissions officer at the college of your choice
  • Apply to your local VEC for the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme
  • For the Special Fund for People with Disabilities apply to the Student Counsellor or Disability Support Officer at the college of your choice
  • Apply to your local authority for the Higher Education Grants Scheme

Last Updated: 01/09/2011 ^ back to top