Question regarding Masters Degree and Funding

Chong

Ok here is my question: Lets say I want to do a Masters in L.I.T which is in computing. The cost in total is 2800 euro.

Now for four years I have paid my registration fees for the course I am on because I am not entitled to any grants because my parents make over a certain amount of income.

I was speaking to friend of mine this morning and he was saying that if I wanted to do my masters I could recieve a grant and have all my fees paid for me. He said that I can claim that I no longer live with my parents(which in fact I do) so it would effectively mean I am funding myself.

I suppose the real question is this viable?

Thumper Long

afaik you are entitled to nothing, i had a quick look at this last year before i did my masters in trinity, a masters programme as well as a phd is futher continuing education and does not qualify for grant status as that is reserved for undergraduate education, and it is presumed that if you decide to go on and study further after your degree that you have the means to do so.

Chong

Ok m8 thanks very much for the advice.

Civilian_Target

Actually - there are a number of sources of postgraduate funding you can get.

First of all, and possibly easiest, you can be sponsored by a company or the university. There are usually a substantial number of awards and scolarships available for each postgraduate course, or funding available for commercial tie-in projects.
Otherwise, there are various Irish agencies that may fund your study if they feel it is suitably worthwhile (this mostly applies to research-based postgraduate courses instead of taught ones), such as the ICSTI (Irish Council for Science and Technology Innovation), Forfás or Fás.
Finally, you can apply to the European boards which have limited funding in certain areas, but may be tricky since you will be studying in your home country.

newestUser

Thumper Long wrote:

afaik you are entitled to nothing, i had a quick look at this last year before i did my masters in trinity, a masters programme as well as a phd is futher continuing education and does not qualify for grant status as that is reserved for undergraduate education, and it is presumed that if you decide to go on and study further after your degree that you have the means to do so.

Woah. I have to correct this. The above is 100% incorrect. I quote from the Higher Education Grants Scheme 2005 (available on Dun Laoghaire County Councils website):

CLAUSE 1: DEFINITIONS In this scheme: 1.1 "approved course " means - (a) a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two year’s duration or a full-time potgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in one of the approved institutions listed in Appendix 1(A) and 1(B);

In addition to receiving approx 3000 euro (the exact amount may depend tho, on what category of candidate you are) the local authority will also pay the fees for the course (up to a max of about 5000 euro). They won't pay the fees automatically though, you have to go to the fees office of your university/college, and inform them you are in receipt of a local authority grant. The college will then send an invoice to the local authority for the fees, the local authority pays the college, and the college will then reimburse you. I speak from first hand experience on this matter.

However, in order to be classified as "independent", you can't be living with your parents...

Beta2

Thumper Long wrote:

afaik you are entitled to nothing, i had a quick look at this last year before i did my masters in trinity, a masters programme as well as a phd is futher continuing education and does not qualify for grant status as that is reserved for undergraduate education, and it is presumed that if you decide to go on and study further after your degree that you have the means to do so.

This is incorrect, the vast majority of Masters courses do qualify. Not all do so you should check with your local authority first.

I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think its means tested, the catch to this is that you have to be over 23 and not living at home before they consider you to be independent from your parents income.

To get more accurate information ring your local authority and ask them, they're generally helpful.

Chong

Thanks again everyone, I dont think its feasible after thought and comments posted here.

Btw its a taught masters, so I dont think u can get funding for that.

newestUser

Willstev wrote:

Thanks again everyone, I dont think its feasible after thought and comments posted here.

Btw its a taught masters, so I dont think u can get funding for that.

For the record, it doesn't matter if its a taught masters or not. It's the length of the course and the institution that offers it that matters.

rick_fantastic

i wouldnt say its not feasible man. think about your potential to earn when you have graduated with an MSc.

Im planning on going to smurfit in september to do a masters after i finish degree in computer science this year. getting a hefty bank loan to fund the 10 grand i will have to pay to do it.

i dont think of it as a financial noose around my neck, its an investment in my future

Salmon

OP I could be wrong in saying this but, if you are looking to be assessed as 'independent' i.e not living at home, you will need a utility bill dates 6 months prior to your application. At least that was the case for me. If you get the oppertunity at all go for it, the way I see it if you dont do it you will regret it this time next year!!!