Loans, grants - questions

Student09

Hey,

I’m going to college in September but I just have a few questions and loans and things. The college I want to go to says it was €5,200 for last year. According to qualifax.ie, this is what it says about the fees.

EU Residents
For the academic year 2008/2009: €5,200

All undergraduate programmes have been approved for tax relief purposes. Tax relief is granted to Irish resident taxpayers at the standard rate of income tax on tuition fees of up to €5,000 paid in respect of Degree and Higher Certificate courses only.

A minimum of 50% of fees must be paid with acceptance prior to registration.

Please note that all fees are inclusive of tuition, registration and exam fees.

1. What does this €5,200 pay for? I understand fees for the college and exams but like would that include books and things? If not, would you have any idea about what kind of prices books are going to be?


2. I’m able to get the grant. And I think I’d qualify for the full maintenance + special rate which is over €6,000 I believe. I don’t feel like that would be enough money for the year though so I have been looking into getting a student loan and I have a few questions.

• What way is the grant paid out? Per month? Per week?

• Are you able to get a student loan as well as a grant? Or is there some rule against this?

• If I manage to find at way to pay for college without getting a student loan and just getting the grant, how would that work when it comes to paying the €5,200? Would I have to explain to them that I get the grant and pay once it comes in? Or would I have to come up with the money by myself until my grant comes in?

3. Student loans, how do they work? What do I need to know about applying for one?

• When I apply, do I apply for one to last me every year in college?

• If fees alone were €5,200, how much do you reckon I should look into for getting each year?

• How do I pay them back? Would I start paying once it has been approved and I have started to receive it? Or would I have time to wait?

I think that is all I have for now. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I’d really love some help on this situation. If you could answer all or even one, I would be grateful. Thank you so much for your help. It is very much appreciated.

nofi

If you qualify for the full maintenance with special rate you should not have to pay any fees. Higher Education Grants and VEC Scholarship Grants are paid in three equal instalments. A cheque in the student's name will be sent by the VEC or local authority to the relevant college. www.studentfinance.ie, www.education.ie, www.citizensinformation.ie

Student09

Really?! I didn't know that. :eek: That would be fantastic.

Thank you so much for the links.