Elegible for free fees

andy2009

Well I've planning to return to college in Oct 09 since this time last year. Ive just found out that with the college of my choice - "Tuition fees will be paid in respect of students who, having attended, but not completed, approved courses, and who did not obtain a qualification, are returning following a break of at least five years in order to pursue approved courses at the same level in the 2008/09 academic year."

I started a course in NUI Maynooth in Oct 2004 and had to drop out half way through due to a chronic medical problem that left me literally unable to walk around the campus. I got it diagnosed in July 2005 and am fine now I just have to take an injection every two weeks.

I will be unable to return if I dont get my fees paid for. From what I can see as I started the course in Oct 2004 I wont be eligible. Im wondering if I say nothing will it work out ok and Ill get in without paying (I know a guy who a few years ago returned to college at 24 after leaving his previous course at 20 and, he never said anything and he got away with it). If not Im wondering if I provide a medical certificate from my specialist on why I had to leave the course in NUI Maynooth would I be able to qualify for free fees this year on medical grounds?

Edit: I also forgot to add - I will be eligible for the back to education allowance, would this automatically make me eligible for free fees?

Thanks.

OctavarIan

Might be worth giving your nearest Department of Education office a ring

http://www.education.ie/home/home.jsp?pcategory=10917&ecategory=28903&language=EN

andy2009

I imagine they will just direct me to the fees office of the college I want to attend and at this stage I dont want to get myself flagged as someone who is ineligible for free fees.