Going back to College? Check here for Mature/Disabled/Access/Grant & Fees information

'Greetings, this is just a small introduction with some information you may wish to find out about Grants & Fees, Mature Students, Students with Disabilities, as well as so-called 'non-traditional' students, that is, students who were historically under-represented at college. Inside these sections will be information from government websites, as well as some helpful hints as well as links to access routes into college. It's meant to be basic - we can't come up with all the answers, you know!

If there's anything not covered here, please start a new thread. Cheers.

1. Grant & Fees
2. Mature Students
3. Students with Disabilities
4. 'Non-traditional' students' (access routes, etc.)

Mod Note: Page updated Feb 2013.

Some information about grants for anyone looking in on this forum...

Money, Money, Money

College is expensive. With transportation, food, stationary, books, accommodation and entertainment costs (ahem), you could find that you will need a part-time job to keep you going through college. However, before you go to college you should find out whether you are entitled to any sort of financial assistance going to college. Money is often an issue with students, so do check it out.

Getting Started


The official pages for information on the grant scheme are on citizensinformation.ie and on StudentFinance.ie. Here, you'll find several links - some specifically for mature students, some more general for all students. StudentFinance.ie was set up to help guide people through all the various grant schemes and is an excellent place to start.

Income Limits

These are released early in the summer and will be availble on http://www.studentfinance.ie. Basically, you will need to have earned under these limits to qualify for a 'normal' maintenance grant. It changes as per how many children you have, how many are in full-time education etc. Also, dependent on what category you fit into, you could be assessed on your own income (as well as your spouse's, if applicable) or your own income AND your parents'/guardians' income (and again, your spouse's, if applicable).

Mature Students

Mature Students are defined as being 23 or over on the 1st of January of the year they are entering college. There are two categories for Mature Students - Independent Mature Students and Dependent Mature Students. The former is assessed on his/her own income (and spouse's, if applicable) while the latter is assessed on their own income, their spouse's (again, again, again, if applicable) as well as their parents/guardians. Obviously, there's a world of difference here.

Postgraduates

There were changes in the funding regulations for postgrad students in 2011. Details of current funding arrangements here: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third_level_education/fees_and_supports_for_third_level_education/postgraduate_student_grant.html

Application Forms

Grant application is online to Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI. The application portal is here: https://www.grantsonline.ie/

How much will the grant be this year?

The level of grant you receive is dependent on several factors.

Anything else in relation to the grant?

Just to repeat what I've said above, get your ass in gear! The earlier you get the application form completed and start getting all you P45s, birth certs, and every other form you need to get together, the less headache you will have. Y


What about the Back to Education Allowance?

You may be eligible for the BTEA. There are specific rules to be adhered to in order to avail of this - there is information on this http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/353_Back-to-Education-Allowance.aspx

And Rent Allowance?

Again, you may be eligible for rent allowance. There are further details available here: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Rent-Supplement.aspx

Can I get tax relief on my course?

You may be able to! Check here: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third_level_education/fees_and_supports_for_third_level_education/tax_relief_for_third_level_fees.html for more information.

I need to know some more information!

Feel free to start a new thread - but do remember that specific grant queries should be aimed at SUSI

If there's anything not covered here, please start a new thread. Cheers.

***

What is a Mature Student?

A mature student is a student who, generally, is 23 or over on the 1st of January in the year they first start their course.

How does one become a Mature Student?

You do this by applying! The way of applying for courses depend on the college. Some require you to go through the CAO as well as applying to them directly; others may allow you to simply apply directly, or if the course if AQA (all qualified applicants) they may allow you to start given a few weeks notice. This obviously varies greatly depending on the institution.

Are there deadlines to be adhered to?

This again depends on where you are going to college. If you are applying through the CAO for a course, the deadline is the 1st of February of the year you will be seeking to enter the course. You can apply to the CAO from the November before.

Is there an inverview?

There more than likely will be. For this, you will require to demonstrate why you wish to do a specific course, and it is best to highlight how you've been interested in it before, as well as any research you have done in the field, or related fields. The thing to remember is that you are selling yourself, so you have to show your enthusiasm.

Am I too old? Will I fit in? Will I be bullied?

No, yes, and no . We all learn new things every day, so going back to college is not something just for those fresh out of school. As for fitting in, in the larger colleges there are Mature Student Societies as well as nights out, which means you will meet other students. But even in your class you'll find that there will be other mature students, as well as ample opportunity to meet other members of your class (nights out, assignment groups, lab groups, presentation groups etc.).

How expensive is it?

If you have never been to college before, you should be able to avail of the 'free fees' initiative, which means that you will not pay course fees. However, there is a registration fee of €825 to be paid. If you dropped out, you may still avail of the 'free fees' scheme - for further clarity on this, contact the Dept. of Education directly, or else the Student Support Unit who are organised by the Dept. of Education.

Is there any form of financial assistance I can avail of?

You should enquire as to whether or not you will be able to avail of a maintenance grant - the minimum for mature students is between €855 and €3,420, depending on your circumstances. Check out MyGrant.ie, [url=http://studentfinance.ie[/url]StudentFinance.ie[/url] as well as CitizensInformation.ie. Maintenance grants are, at present, only payable for full-time courses. If you are eligible for a grant, the registration fee mentioned above is paid for you by your County Council/VEC.

If you are pursuing a part-time course, you may be able to avail of tax relief on fees. Information is available on CitizensInformation.ie as well as in a PDF document on Revenue.ie.

If you run into financial trouble during the year, contact your Students' Union, tutor, or student services department for information on the Student Assistance Fund. This is a confidential fund which you can avail of which is meant to help those who are struggling with the finances of being in college. It isn't bottomless, but it may help you out in times of trouble.

No, I meant the cost of actually going to college!

Ah, I see. This varies greatly according to where you are in the country. A PDF document on the Irish Council for International Students puts it at between €10,500 and €12,500. Obviously this will be hdepend on whether you are living near to the college, whether you bring your own food in for lunch etc. etc. But college can be expensive. It's worth checking out your entitlements prior to getting there.

How will I adjust to college life?

The larger colleges often run a mature student orientation course which would give students a feel for what the next few years would be like. It's also worth remembering that all students entering college think this at one moment or another . But if you are concerned about a specific part of college life, feel free to start a new thread on it.

Is there any college-specific information you can give me?

Indeed there is. Below are various colleges and specific webpages that are aimed at Mature Students. If the college you are looking to go to is not mentioned there, a quick google should throw up the solution. If not, ring the college yourself to make further enquiries.

Athlone IT: http://www.ait.ie/admissions/mature.shtml
Cork IT: http://www.cit.ie/index.cfm/action/page/aID/200/level/page/pageid/518/Content_Key/927/type/Page/PaGeName/Non-Standard_Applicants.html
DIT: http://www.dit.ie/DIT/study/maturestudents/
Dundalk IT: http://ww2.dkit.ie/student_life/admissions/1st_year_admissions/non_standard_applicants/mature_applicants__1
IT Blanchardstown: http://www.itb.ie/site/studentservices/access.htm#mat
IT Sligo: http://www.itsligo.ie/current_students/maturestudents.html
IT Tallaght: http://www.ittdublin.ie/prospective/full-time/applyingforaplaceatittdublin/maturenonstandardapplicants/
IT Tralee: http://www.ittralee.ie/ProspectiveStudents/MatureStudents/
Letterkenny IT: http://www.lyit.ie/admissions/admin/mature.html
NCAD: http://www.ncad.ie/admissions/maturestudents.shtml
Tipperary Institute: http://www.tippinst.ie/study/admissions/mature_students.htm
Waterford IT: http://www2.wit.ie/real/

Dublin City University: http://www.dcu.ie/students/access/mature.shtml
NUI, Galway: http://www.nuigalway.ie/mature_students/mature_students_officer.html
NUI, Maynooth: http://maturestudents.nuim.ie/
Trinity College, Dublin: http://www.tcd.ie/Senior_Lecturer/ao/aomso.php
University College, Cork: http://www.ucc.ie/en/SupportandAdministration/ServiceandAdministrativeOffices/RegistrarandVice-PresidentforAcademicAffairs/RegistrarsOffices/MatureStudentOffice/
University College, Dublin: http://www.ucd.ie/access/mature.htm
University of Limerick: http://www.ul.ie/mso/index.html

What if I left school early, and never received a Leaving Certificate?

You may be able to enter college through an access programme, or by applying as a mature student as mentioned above. Several colleges offer these access programmes to help students get into third level education. This may include an extra year of college before you enter the course you would like. For more information, click on the access programme links below.

DIT: http://www.dit.ie/DIT/communitylinks/leap/index.html
Dundalk IT: http://ww2.dkit.ie/student_life/access_office
GMIT: http://www.gmit.ie/lifelong-learning/access-programme.html
IADT: http://www.iadt.ie/en/ProspectiveStudents/HowtoApply/AccessOffice/
IT Blanchardstown: http://www.itb.ie/site/studentservices/access.htm#reach
IT Carlow: http://www.itcarlow.ie/curr_access_initiative.asp?top_section=1&lower_section=2&lower2_section=6&sel_sect=21&uid=itcarlow
IT Sligo: http://www.itsligo.ie/current_students/communities.html
Letterkenny IT: http://www.lyit.ie/student/access/access_index.htm
Limerick IT: http://www.lit.ie/student/studentinfo.html
Tipperary Institute: http://www.tippinst.ie/cs/support/access_office.htm

DCU: http://www.dcu.ie/students/access/index.shtml
NUI Galway: http://www.nuigalway.ie/access/
NUI Maynooth: http://access.nuim.ie/
Trinity College, Dublin: http://www.tcd.ie/Trinity_Access/index.php
UCC: http://www.ucc.ie/access/
UCD: http://www.ucd.ie/newera/
UL: http://www.ul.ie/mso/access.html

Queens University, Belfast: http://www.qub.ac.uk/cm/guidance/guidance_10.htm
University of Ulster; http://prospectus.ulster.ac.uk/geninfo/ Note: follow the link to the relevant campus, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry (Magee) or Jordanstown.

Are there other websites giving information for mature students?

There are some, given below.

Citizensinformation.ie: http://citizensinformation.ie/categories/education/third-level-education/applying-to-college/third_level_courses_for_mature_students/
Qualifax.ie (hasn't been updated in several years): http://www.qualifax.ie/mature_entry/mature_students.html

Thanks, but I have more questions.

Feel free to start a new thread in this forum, and I'm sure some helpful poster will answer it for you

Below is some information for students with disabilities - again, the information is basic but feel free to ask additional questions

***

Where's a good place to start looking for information?

The website http://www.accesscollege.ie/ is a good starting point. It gives details of the DARE scheme, (Disability Access Route to Education), as well as information on how to apply for the scheme and which colleges are participating.


How does a disabled student apply for college?

There are two routes - through the CAO (direct entry), and non-standard entry. There is more information on this on the Access College website linked above.

Students wishing to be considered for DARE have to apply through the CAO by the 1st of February. On the application they need to indicate whether they wish to be considered under DARE. They then have until the 1st of March to have their initial paperwork submitted to CAO and until April 1st to have their final medical reports submitted.

Details of the reports required under DARE ar availble on the Downloads page of the CAO website here: http://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=downloads


Please note: DARE is only applicable to students who are under 23 year old. Mature applicants with disabilities are assessed under the Matures Students application pathway.

Student Disability Services

Athlone IT: http://www.ait.ie/facilities/stuserv/disability.shtml
DIT: http://www.dit.ie/DIT/access/
Dundalk IT: http://www.dkit.ie/display.asp?id=70
IADT: http://www.iadt.ie/en/ProspectiveStudents/HowtoApply/AccessOffice/
IT Blanchardstown: http://www.itb.ie/site/studentservices/access.htm#dis
IT Carlow: http://www.itcarlow.ie/curr_access_initiative.asp?top_section=1&lower_section=2&lower2_section=6&sel_sect=21&uid=itcarlow
IT Sligo: http://www.itsligo.ie/current_students/disabilities.html
IT Tallaght: http://www.it-tallaght.ie/current/studentservicesfacilities/accessofficedisabililtyservice/
IT Tralee: http://www.ittralee.ie/ProspectiveStudents/AccessandDisability/
Letterkenny IT: http://www.lyit.ie/student/access/access_index.htm
Limerick IT: http://www.lit.ie/student/studentinfo.html
Tipperary Institute: http://www.tippinst.ie/cs/support/access_office.htm
Waterford IT: http://www.wit.ie/chart/disability.html

DCU: http://www.dcu.ie/students/disability/index.shtml
NUIG: http://www.nuigalway.ie/disability/
NUIM: http://access.nuim.ie/disability/index.shtml
Trinity College, Dublin: http://www.tcd.ie/disability/
UCC: http://www.ucc.ie/services/dss/
UCD: http://www.ucd.ie/disability/
UL: http://www.ul.ie/mso/dis.html

Can I ask a question that hasn't been covered?

Of course!

***

For who?

Some areas/schools in Ireland do not have a large proportion of their population heading for third level education. As a result, certain schemes or access programmes encourage individuals from these areas to go to college, as well as accommodating persons from age groups (i.e. over 23s) or those who have a disability.

Will I require a Leaving Cert?

No, not always. Some of the schemes require a pre-college year to be taken up which you must complete before being allowed to start the actual course. There are schemes aimed at young school leavers, mature students, and all groups who are under-represented at all stages in education.

Can I get into Higher Education this way?

Yes, there are routes to all areas of education. One of them is called HEAR (Higher Education Access Route), and there is information on this here.

What about funding?

Some of the access programmes come with the additional support of a childcare scheme, as well as the chance of an accommodation scheme. Of course, you should see if you would be entitled to a maintenance grant, or other funds available from your local authority. See the first post for more information about grants/fees.

Where can I find out more information?

Most of the larger colleges have details about their access programmes online, but you could enquire with each college individually should the webpages give insufficient details. Also check out the other pages for information on Mature Students as well as Disabled Students if you have a disability.

DIT: http://www.dit.ie/DIT/communitylinks/leap/index.html
Dundalk IT: http://ww2.dkit.ie/student_life/access_office
GMIT: http://www.gmit.ie/lifelong-learning/access-programme.html
IADT: http://www.iadt.ie/en/ProspectiveStudents/HowtoApply/AccessOffice/
IT Blanchardstown: http://www.itb.ie/site/studentservices/access.htm#reach
IT Carlow: http://www.itcarlow.ie/curr_access_initiative.asp?top_section=1&lower_section=2&lower2_section=6&sel_sect=21&uid=itcarlow
IT Sligo: http://www.itsligo.ie/current_students/communities.html
Letterkenny IT: http://www.lyit.ie/student/access/access_index.htm
Limerick IT: http://www.lit.ie/student/studentinfo.html
Tipperary Institute: http://www.tippinst.ie/cs/support/access_office.htm

DCU: http://www.dcu.ie/students/access/index.shtml
NUI Galway: http://www.nuigalway.ie/access/
NUI Maynooth: http://access.nuim.ie/
Trinity College, Dublin: http://www.tcd.ie/Trinity_Access/index.php
UCC: http://www.ucc.ie/access/
UCD: http://www.ucd.ie/newera/
UL: http://www.ul.ie/mso/access.html

Queens University, Belfast: http://www.qub.ac.uk/cm/guidance/guidance_10.htm
University of Ulster; http://prospectus.ulster.ac.uk/geninfo/ Note: follow the link to the relevant campus, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry (Magee) or Jordanstown.

There's something that hasn't been covered...

Feel free to start a thread!

smashey

Good.

rosboy

Fantastic thread. There's obviously a lot of work put into it, and this shows.

Well done on putting together a fantastic resource base.

Hannahlu

Hi, very informative threads btw.
I'm living in Cork, i attended college for less than a year and dropped out. I really want to go back to college and have applied to several courses but they are in different counties. I can't find a course I would like to do in Cork.
If I get accepted to the course of my choice I have to pay course fees for the first year. I've been working part-time but the thing is even with student funds/grants there is no way i can afford to pay course fees of near 6,000/7,000 and pay living expenses. Is there anyone who has been faced with the same situation or knows anyone and knows of anyway a student can be excepted from this rule? I really dont know what to do otherwise.

timmyb

I qualify as a mature student but i'm wondering if it is too late to apply for Psychiatric Nursing in DCU 2009, Course DC226 (as Mature Applicant)?

Is there any competancy based tests/ interviews/ aptitude tests to be completed?

Cheers!

lizziebear

Hi donal, My name is Liz and I have an interview with Ballyfermot college next. week I'm hoping to study Social Care, I'm 21(will be 22 when course starts) and this is the age for Ballyfermot where they will waver the points needed. I did not do well in my leaving cert but I do not want that to reflect my ability to do this course.
I would really love to get this course but haven't got much experience only minding a child that had severe autism for 6 years.
Have you any tips for me??
liz

ditmature

Hi,

Just want to update some of the DIT information for Mature Students:

Prospective Mature Students: Application Process, Advanced Entry, Entry Requirements etc: http://www.dit.ie/study/mature/prospective/

Mature Student Support: Financial Information, Grants FAQs, Budgeting, Back TO Education Allowance, Academic Support, Mature Students Society & more: http://www.dit.ie/study/mature/support/

Prospective Mature Students: ms.admissions@dit.ie

Mature Student Support: ms.info@dit.ie

Thanks!

Bob

catherin

just want to tell anyone thinking of going back, if you realy want to do it, you can. I am 42 and in my 4th of a 5yr degree (part-time) and loving it.
I think the main thing is to research what you want to do thoroughly and if you like it, you wont mind putting the time into it. An other thing if you are doing it part-time like me and working full time+family..etc...do not put anything on the long finger. if you get an assignment today start it no later than tomorow even if not due in for few weeks. I saw a lot of people getting into trouble by letting it go til last minute and then everything pilling up on top of them.
and hate to say it but it is expensive even part-time as we have to pay fees, but tax can be claimed back.
For those who need to continue working, there are many part-time diploma and degree courses from the universities on offer, and not all need you to attend every week. The one I am currently doing we only attend one saturday every 3-4 weeks to a maximum of 10 saturdays a year, some take place in the evenings. But as I said you do need to be focussed as you have to do a lot of work on your own at home. But well worth it. and lots of help from tutors/lecturers at all time.
So go ahead...hope this helped anyone who was having doubts. Good luck!

catherin

lizziebear wrote: »

Hi donal, My name is Liz and I have an interview with Ballyfermot college next. week I'm hoping to study Social Care, I'm 21(will be 22 when course starts) and this is the age for Ballyfermot where they will waver the points needed. I did not do well in my leaving cert but I do not want that to reflect my ability to do this course.
I would really love to get this course but haven't got much experience only minding a child that had severe autism for 6 years.
Have you any tips for me??
liz

Hi Liz,
am currently doing social care degree through NUIgalway as a distance ed programme. People travelling from all over the country up to galway for the degree part (last 2 yrs) but i know you can do the cert and diploma in lots other universities in the country.
Working with a child with severe autism is tough and if you have stuck it this long and still like it, you are not only well suited to it but also have lots of experience. People doing social care diploma/degree come from lots of different backgrounds. So if you really want to do it, go ahead and try if you dont get in the first time, try again or try a different college. I think they are not so much looking at how well you did in the leaving cert, but rather at your interest and apptitude, you learn a lot of skills needed on the go (reading, writing, IT etc..) good luck and I hope this helps you

taco11

hi all,

I am a 29 year old mature student who returned to full time education in september 08. As of yet I am not in receipt of any grant or financial assistance. I have been told that I am not entitled to a grant because I am doing a level 8 degree- I already hold a level 8 degree from a previous college course.I am also unentitled to social welfare i.e back to education allowance, unemployment benefit, etc. I have not had any income since beginning the course last september and finances are really starting to come under strain what with mortgage, travel, general living, etc.

Would anyone have any tips or suggestions for any avenues that I could proceed through i.e is ther anything thing that I am entitled to, can I even draw social welfare for the summer holidays etc

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

catherin

did you try citizen advice bureau? they can be of great help. Also check www.studenfinance.ie you might see somthing there. I would also try community development organisations such as Galway rural development (not sure what part of country u in), or Leader programs, if you dont ask you wont know if still available, also check out "millenium fund" or something...google it.
Go to your student information officer, they might know of something locally.
Hope this helps and good luck.
let us know if you get something.

lisajane

taco11 wrote: »

hi all,

I am a 29 year old mature student who returned to full time education in september 08. As of yet I am not in receipt of any grant or financial assistance. I have been told that I am not entitled to a grant because I am doing a level 8 degree- I already hold a level 8 degree from a previous college course.I am also unentitled to social welfare i.e back to education allowance, unemployment benefit, etc. I have not had any income since beginning the course last september and finances are really starting to come under strain what with mortgage, travel, general living, etc.

Would anyone have any tips or suggestions for any avenues that I could proceed through i.e is ther anything thing that I am entitled to, can I even draw social welfare for the summer holidays etc

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Hi, i don't know much about the grants but i am hoping to go back next year when i have some money saved up. I too have been to college and got a level 7 diploma but the course i want to do is a level 6 in a PLC, so i'm not sure if i am entitled to it.

Go to your local TD and get them to fight it for you or whatever they do. Or so i have been told.

taco11

cheers for that catherin

ya i tried that millenium fund from my local authority but you canonly get it if you are already in receipt of the full maintenance grant. i explained my situation to them and they said they would give me special consideration but ultimately,nothing was fortcoming... i guess the decision makes eense to someone somewhere!

thanks for your other other suggestions. ill look into them and keep you posted on developments

lisajane....i tried the local politicians and county councillers route...might as well have been talking to the wall !

becky1

just reading your posts here guys and I believe I am in the same situation... Going back to college in Sept to do a H-Dip but apparently I am not entitled to the grant because I have previously done a pos-graduate degree (LL.B) and apparently they are the same thing????

Apparently if I can prove that the H-Dip is a "higher" qualification than the LL.B, I may be entitled. I have never applied for a grant before but apparently this does not mattter either.
Any advice for me??

taco11

becky1

there is a few criteria that you have to meet . one of them is that the course you are doing is of a higher level than one you already hold. cannot remember the rest of the criteria but the education dept. of the co. council will tell you what they are.

i have also heard of people not even ticking the box on the form where it asks if you have a previous qualification.

best of luck with it anyway.

becky1

thanks taco11 for the advice.

To be honest, I am veering towards your second suggestion! I am currently claiming social welfare and without the grant do not know how I will be able to go to college this Sept.

Does anybody know if the City Council check with the college re your qualifications?

maidie

Hi Everyone,

I hope somebody can help me, my daughter will be hopefully going to TCD in September, The course she hopes to do is about 550 points which we feel that she can achieve. I don't think that she will be entitled to a maintainence grant, (I earned about 47K last year). The problem is my job is almost guaranteed to be gone next month which leaves me on the dole. I thought at least this would qualify her for the student grant but have been advised that it goes on last years income. I'm so stressed, Its going to cost about 500 in accomodation before she gets any day to day living expenses, her chances of getting a part time job are slim and not to mention books, registration fees etc. Can somebody tell me are there are any grants for students who get high points as a work colleague said there is.. Any advice greatly welcome. Thanks

taco11

hi maidie,

try the citizens advice bureau. they seem to be very clued in and helpful for that kind of stuff.

jessie14

I've searched high and low and can't find an answer to my question..ok I'm currently on OPF payment.Live with my 4 yr old daughter in our council home. Have secured a place in Nursing to do my degree as a mature student. currently going with my bf 2 years, he's all for me going to college, he's great to me, great to my daughter.Thing is, my course is 4 years long, and I cant see myself living apart for another 4 years. But if I was to move in with him in say maybe 2 years time, would I lose my BTEA. I qualify for this because im currently on OPF payment. I really wanna go to college but then I couldnt afford to 'be' with him for another 4 long years. what are my choices? any help greatly appreciated

birdalone

just spend your weekends together . . .all quality time and you keep your financial independance and your grants etc.
You could holiday together too . . .more quality time.

putikat

Hie Madie , i know they say that the accesment is on 2008income but on the front pay of the grant form you should write in the LA/VEC contact details area Please note Change of circumstances and that shold helpwith some sort of grant payment , hope this helps as i got mine this way and it was approved for a full grant plus top up

maidie

putikat wrote: »

Hie Madie , i know they say that the accesment is on 2008income but on the front pay of the grant form you should write in the LA/VEC contact details area Please note Change of circumstances and that shold helpwith some sort of grant payment , hope this helps as i got mine this way and it was approved for a full grant plus top up

Great, Thanks for that, We managed to complete the forms and sent them back this morning, I just hope that they don't come back They can be tricky enough to fill in, especially when I'm still waiting for P45 from employer... Wish me luck,

maidie

jessie14 wrote: »

I've searched high and low and can't find an answer to my question..ok I'm currently on OPF payment.Live with my 4 yr old daughter in our council home. Have secured a place in Nursing to do my degree as a mature student. currently going with my bf 2 years, he's all for me going to college, he's great to me, great to my daughter.Thing is, my course is 4 years long, and I cant see myself living apart for another 4 years. But if I was to move in with him in say maybe 2 years time, would I lose my BTEA. I qualify for this because im currently on OPF payment. I really wanna go to college but then I couldnt afford to 'be' with him for another 4 long years. what are my choices? any help greatly appreciated

well done on getting the college place for starters, You must have done a really good interview as lots of the places for mature students were cut, anyway I wouldn't worry just for now, best to think of your career first for your own behalf and your daughters. See how it goes, circumstances change and I can't see you losing your benefit especially 2 years in unless your boyfriend is earning huge money. Best of luck with the course, its enjoyable but hard work:)

fatpossum

I have a friend who, due to an accident last fall, and the ensuing injuries, is unable to do what he has formerly done for near 30 years of his life.

While receiving physical and occupational therapy, and talking with the therapists, he decided that being an Occupational Therapy Assistant is what he'd like to pursue.

The problem is income..
He has been on Worker's Comp since the accident, and his savings are depleted.

So we are trying to find him some sort of grant or scholarship...not interested in FAFSA (sp?) or a Stafford loan, as he doesn't have enough income at the present time to pay anything back.

He is 46, has a Bachelor's Degree from a University in KY in 1987.
(so any of the grants/ scholarships for people with no college, or high school seniors won't help)

He lives in Tennessee, and, unfortunately, TN is one of the states where Worker's Comp doesn't help with retraining. (KY and AL do, but he doesn't live in either of those places)

There is an accredited college near him, in Nashville, but their finacial aid office isn't much help, in that they push the Stafford, et al, loans.

Or, they say he has to wait to apply until such-and-such date, which is understandable, but you can't wait to the last minute to find out *where* to apply, as a blue-zillion other people are *also* applying.

Anyone here have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

daithi09

hey, just turned twenty three two weeks ago, do I have to wait until sept. 2010 to be counted as a mature student? Changing careers completely(from carpentry to science) and was wondering if the government have started any grants/schemes for people who are coming from the building trade or if they have been long term unemployed? thanks for any help you can give.

ditmature

daithi09 wrote: »

hey, just turned twenty three two weeks ago, do I have to wait until sept. 2010 to be counted as a mature student? Changing careers completely(from carpentry to science) and was wondering if the government have started any grants/schemes for people who are coming from the building trade or if they have been long term unemployed? thanks for any help you can give.

Hi Daithi,

For full-time programmes (from a grants perspective) you would have to wait until September 2010 to be considered a Mature Student, as you have to be over 23 on the 1st of January prior to commencing your programme of study.

Your chances of getting a place on a full time programme for this September would be very slim either way, as most HEIs have closed their application process and have already tendered offers for September 2009 (e.g. DIT closed applications on the 1st May).

If you are long term unemployed, you may be eligible for the Back To Education Allowance if and when you do start a full-time programme - you can read more information here: http://www.dit.ie/study/mature/support/finance/btea/

As for government schemes etc, there are programmes available on a part-time basis for those who have been unemployed for 6 months or more as part of the HEA Labour Market Activation Programme - these programmes are being offered free of charge to qualified applicants. Details of the programmes on offer at DIT are here: http://www.dit.ie/study/parttime/healabourmarketactivationprogramme/ and the closing date for applications is September 1st 2009.

Hope this helps!

Bob

Rowley Birkin QC

While doing my undergrad, level 8, I was never eligible for a grant as my parents income was over the threshold. I've been accepted onto a level 9 course and I'm living independently of my parents and qualify as a mature student.

Here comes the kicker, they are now telling me, at the public counter and over the phone, that I need to be out of college for 12 months between levels 8 + 9 to qualify for a mature student grant :mad:.

Is this cast iron? It seems like a nonsense that they are happy enough to pay me nearly €10,000 in social welfare for the next 12 months but won't give me a grant to further my education and increase the chance that I will be paying into the exchequer rather than taking away from it.:(

Are TD's and local representatives much help with stuff like this?

Cheers.

ditmature

bigkev49 wrote: »

While doing my undergrad, level 8, I was never eligible for a grant as my parents income was over the threshold. I've been accepted onto a level 9 course and I'm living independently of my parents and qualify as a mature student.

Here comes the kicker, they are now telling me, at the public counter and over the phone, that I need to be out of college for 12 months between levels 8 + 9 to qualify for a mature student grant :mad:.

Is this cast iron? It seems like a nonsense that they are happy enough to pay me nearly €10,000 in social welfare for the next 12 months but won't give me a grant to further my education and increase the chance that I will be paying into the exchequer rather than taking away from it.:(

Are TD's and local representatives much help with stuff like this?

Cheers.

Hi bigkev49,

Unfortunately, it's pretty watertight. This is from the HEG Scheme 2009/10:

You are eligible to apply for a grant if:

• You are entering an approved course for the first time in the 2009/10 academic year OR
• You are re-entering college, after a break of at least one year, in order to complete an approved course at undergrad level for the first time OR
• You are re-entering college, after a break of at least one year, in order to pursue or complete an approved course at postgrad level for the first time OR
• You already hold a postgrad qualification and wish to pursue a postgrad course which represents progression (e.g. you hold a Masters and wish to pursue a PhD) OR
• You started, but did not finish an approved course and are re-entering after a break of at least 5 years in order to pursue a different approved course at the same level.

Taking point 3 above into account, if you are going straight from your undergrad to your postgrad, your grant status will remain the same as it was when you started your undergrad. Sorry

In other good news, in a recent announcement by the Department of Education, that 1 year period will increase to 3 years from 2010/11:

Minister O'Keeffe gave notice that, with effect from the start of the 2010/11 academic year, further changes will be introduced. These include:

• Some social welfare allowances, including the Back to Education Allowance which had been excluded in the means-testing process, will be included as reckonable income in assessing eligibility for student grants;
• The income tax adjustment for farm stock relief will be disregarded in calculating reckonable income for means-testing purposes;
• The residency requirement in the State for grant eligibility will be increased from one year to three out of the past five years for the student - a move that's in line with provisions already outlined in the Student Support Bill;
• The duration of the break in studies required for re-entry as an independently assessed mature student will be increased from one year to three years.

Minister O'Keeffe said: 'I'm announcing these changes for the 2010/11 academic year so that students and their families are notified well in advance and have reasonable time to prepare.
'The new measures will ensure better equity and equality in calculating eligibility to student maintenance grants so that we can continue to target public resources at those who need them most.'


Bob

Rowley Birkin QC

ditmature wrote: »

Hi bigkev49,

Unfortunately, it's pretty watertight. This is from the HEG Scheme 2009/10:

Bob

Cheers for that Bob.

Can anyone explain the merit or logic in this measure?

blondy24

ditmature wrote: »

Hi bigkev49,

Unfortunately, it's pretty watertight. This is from the HEG Scheme 2009/10:


You are eligible to apply for a grant if:

• You are entering an approved course for the first time in the 2009/10 academic year OR
• You are re-entering college, after a break of at least one year, in order to complete an approved course at undergrad level for the first time OR
• You are re-entering college, after a break of at least one year, in order to pursue or complete an approved course at postgrad level for the first time OR
• You already hold a postgrad qualification and wish to pursue a postgrad course which represents progression (e.g. you hold a Masters and wish to pursue a PhD) OR
• You started, but did not finish an approved course and are re-entering after a break of at least 5 years in order to pursue a different approved course at the same level.

Taking point 3 above into account, if you are going straight from your undergrad to your postgrad, your grant status will remain the same as it was when you started your undergrad. Sorry

In other good news, in a recent announcement by the Department of Education, that 1 year period will increase to 3 years from 2010/11:

Minister O'Keeffe gave notice that, with effect from the start of the 2010/11 academic year, further changes will be introduced. These include:

• Some social welfare allowances, including the Back to Education Allowance which had been excluded in the means-testing process, will be included as reckonable income in assessing eligibility for student grants;
• The income tax adjustment for farm stock relief will be disregarded in calculating reckonable income for means-testing purposes;
• The residency requirement in the State for grant eligibility will be increased from one year to three out of the past five years for the student - a move that's in line with provisions already outlined in the Student Support Bill;
• The duration of the break in studies required for re-entry as an independently assessed mature student will be increased from one year to three years.

Minister O'Keeffe said: 'I'm announcing these changes for the 2010/11 academic year so that students and their families are notified well in advance and have reasonable time to prepare.
'The new measures will ensure better equity and equality in calculating eligibility to student maintenance grants so that we can continue to target public resources at those who need them most.'


Bob

Sorry now but just wondering does that mean (in english) that if i finish my degree and want to apply for a grant for a post grad i'd have to wait three years to be eligible... ?? if so how are these people still in government... seriously!!!!

collegeme

PRETTY BACKWARD REALLY. They would rather pay you 3yrs dole (30k) than allow u to aply 4 grant ?????????? Crazy!!!!

stonedsour

Hey,i think i understand what im readin........but, i was looking to going back to college in sept 2010 doing a postgrad/masters, i was 23 at the beginning of this year and completed a degree in summer 08.....am I entitled to anything?!!!

Any help appreciated...

Chesty LaRue

Hi, my husband lost his job in November after 17yrs in the work force. The job front is not promising. He is interested in going back to college to upskill and hopefully improve his job prospects when the economy starts to pick up. However, we have a 7yr old and a baby due in 2mths so income is a major factor here. He will get his BTEA while at college but thats not a lot to support a family, pay the mortgage/bills and travel back and forth to college. Does anyone know if he is entitled to the student grant or has this been abolished in the last budget? Like most people we are not aware of a lot of the benefits due to us. Both of us have worked all our lives (I lost my job just over year ago). Can anyone help us here to ensure we claim for what we are entitled to? Many thanks.

IM0

Chesty LaRue wrote: »

Hi, Does anyone know if he is entitled to the student grant or has this been abolished in the last budget?

for people coming into college in 2010 it has been abolished that you can no longer get the BTEA and the Student main=tenance grant, you can get one or the other but not both, If I were yous Id stick with the BTEA one.

Macca3000

I've applied to go back to college this year. Should find out if I have been successful in a few months. I will qualify for BTEA as I have been unemployed since last May.

If I took a part time job now though, would that stop me from getting BTEA in September? Do you have to be"full time" unemployed (don't know how else to put it) or could you get a part-time job and still qualify?

Thanks.

Tiddlers

Macca3000 wrote: »

I've applied to go back to college this year. Should find out if I have been successful in a few months. I will qualify for BTEA as I have been unemployed since last May.

If I took a part time job now though, would that stop me from getting BTEA in September? Do you have to be"full time" unemployed (don't know how else to put it) or could you get a part-time job and still qualify?

Thanks.

I've just been doing some research on BTEA and I read that part-time work does not affect BTEA payment so you should be ok.I find a lot of the literature available a little bit unclear. I was wondering about BTEA and doing a post-grad course but what I deduced from what I read is that only people doing teaching post-grads are eligible for BTEA. Can anyone clarify that?

breadhead

Hi,

I am currently unemployed and considering going back to study next September.
I have looked into the BTEA and find the course choice quite restrictive so am looking into other study options.
I am just wondering about maintenance grants for mature students. I have moved back home for the time being but if I were to study next September I would move out again. Does the fact that I am living at home now and will be for the next few months affect my chances of getting a maintenance grant?
Presently I cannot afford to move out but would do so six months down the line if starting college to be nearer.

Thanks for help

SEANYBOY1

Hello,
I recently visited my local citizens information office about going to college as a mature student, part time to get a degree.
I am in full emlpoyment, thankfully. However this means I get nada, nothing, not a sausage. No grants what so ever.
I personally know people who are receiving grants to go to college who are unemployed. Here the best bit, one guy told me that he was unemployed for the last 8 months and was 'advised' to remain unemployed for at least a further 4 months to qualify for the grant as he would be then a full year unemployed. Oh yeah my taxes will help pay for that.
I am strugling with my pin to the collar with big mortgage and kids and I am willing to get a bank loan to fund a further education but I was convinced there would be at least a small grant even 10% but no!
Welcome to Ireland 2010

Capricorn1

Hi

I am currently doing a FETAC level 5 and recieving the BTEA. I was refused the Grant last year as I had previously completed a FETAC level 5 but was hoping to get it this September coming (providing I get a place on my chosen degree course). Unfortunately with the cut backs, as people have already stated above, I can only get either the BTEA OR the Grant. I think the safer bet would be to hold onto the BTEA, it works out as alot more in the end. My concern is the tuition fee, I have heard that although I would not be entitled to the grant as a payment to myself, they will pay the yearly college fee. Is this true, can anyone shed some light on this for me please.

sleepybleepy

I spoke to the county council about this. They sais that durin the last budget it was announced that they would be covering the registration fees for the BTEA's. They havent been told how this will be implemented yet, they just said to keep in touch with them over it. Maybe ring your local co co office and see what they say.

isabell

ye college fees will be paid for you so its not to bad at the end......
I have another question. as I'm going for degree next year and I wont be able for the grant (on btea now) will I can still apply for European/Student Support Fund? I know its not a lot but 100000% it would help me with travel to Dublin and books..... I know that for Student Support (or Assistance maybe) Found I have to apply to the college but whats the story with the European one? Do I apply to t college as well?

smolt99

Hi Guys,

I would be grateful if anyone would recommend partime courses or additional training that would benifit someone that wants to work with people who have disabilities. I am currently completing a full term course on care assisting. I have completed modules in special needs also.
Just wondering is there any training programes that I could use to my advantage and of course help the people whom I hope to work with.

TERRIC

I will be re-offered a college place in July (deferral).
Should I apply for BTEA now?
And apply for reg. fees element of grant when forms become available this summer?
OR do I have to wait until I register with the college for my place???

Capricorn1

You will only get the BTEA if you have been in receipt of a Social Welfare payment for 12 months or more (9 months in certain circumstances). If you are in receipt of payment then I would suggest you apply for BTEA when you receive your acceptance letter in July, they will not go ahead with an application without proof of a placement offer.

When you register with the college, bring a letter stating you have registered with them to the Social Welfare office, the BTEA payments will be lodged into your account the following week and every week after.

In relation to registration fees, apply as soon as the forms are available.

panda100

SEANYBOY1 wrote: »

Hello,
I recently visited my local citizens information office about going to college as a mature student, part time to get a degree.
I am in full emlpoyment, thankfully. However this means I get nada, nothing, not a sausage. No grants what so ever.
I personally know people who are receiving grants to go to college who are unemployed. Here the best bit, one guy told me that he was unemployed for the last 8 months and was 'advised' to remain unemployed for at least a further 4 months to qualify for the grant as he would be then a full year unemployed. Oh yeah my taxes will help pay for that.
I am strugling with my pin to the collar with big mortgage and kids and I am willing to get a bank loan to fund a further education but I was convinced there would be at least a small grant even 10% but no!
Welcome to Ireland 2010

I think the problem here is that you were planning to do a part time course?I think grants only cover full time courses?

TERRIC

Thanks Capricorn1.:)

ditmature

Hi all,

Here's the current situation, as I understand it from the official documentation we have so far received from the HEA/DoES:

(BTEA = Back To Education Allowance, LAG = Local Authority Grant)

Unaffected:

- the BTEA Cost Of Education Allowance (currently €500) is unaffected

- the "Top-Up" Grant is unaffected

- any students currently receiving the BTEA and LAG (from 2009/10 or before) are entitled to continue to do so for the duration of their current programme of study

Issues:

- no "new applicants" from 2010/11 onwards will be able to claim the BTEA and LAG at the same time. Students who qualify for the BTEA will have to apply for a non-maintenance LAG to pay their Registration Fees

- students who in the past have been receiving the BTEA and LAG but are currently repeating a year (and thus have lost their LAG), will have to re-apply for the LAG in 2010/11, will thus be considered "new applicants" and not be eligible for the maintenance portion of the LAG

- students currently in Level 6 or 7 programmes and in receipt of the BTEA and LAG who wish to advance to a Level 8 programme will have to make a new application for a LAG (as there is a different grant for Level 8 programmes). They will thus be considered "new applicants" and will not be eligible for the maintenance portion of the LAG

- students currently on pre-entry Access programmes who are receiving the BTEA will not be eligible for the maintenance portion of the LAG should they advance to 3rd level study in 2010/11

- Lone Parents / Disability Allowance (LP/DA): I have spoken to several prospective students who have been informed that they may retain their DA or LP as full-time students (rather than switch to BTEA) and may thus be entitled to apply for the maintenance portion of the LAG. However, such students would lose their Rent Allowance, as this is only allocated to full-time students on the BTEA, not any other payment. I need to confirm this, though it does make sense.

Worth noting:

- students on the BTEA can sign on during the summer months, provided they fulfil the criteria for Jobseeker's Benefit / Allowance (JB / JA)

- students on the BTEA are entitled to work full-time during the summer months with no affect on their BTEA once lectures re-commence

- all mature students (regardless of whether they are on the BTEA or not), unlike "traditional" students, are entitled to sign on for Jobseeker's Allowance
(means-tested) during the summer months, provided they meet the criteria for JA. They are not entitled to apply for Jobseeker's Benefit.

Source: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/OperationalGuidelines/Pages/ja_jobseekall.aspx

JA Disqualification - course of study

The legislation also provides that a person shall be disqualified from receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance while attending a course of study (including school/college holiday periods), except in such circumstances as may be prescribed. The exceptions to this disqualifications are :

1. persons aged 21 years or over who have been in receipt of JA/ JB for at least 6 months and who are participating in approved courses of education, training or development (as per above), and
2. mature students, i.e. persons over 23 years of age on or before 1st January in the year in which the course of study commences.

Deciding Officers should note that disqualification while attending a course of study is completely separate from the availability condition. As mature students are exempted from this disqualification, they may be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance during the summer holiday periods if they satisfy the availability condition in the normal way.


Over and out.

Bob