Going back to college

LegacyUser

I went to college 4 years ago and only did first year of my degree. I'm now hoping to go back this year but I'm not sure of the costs involved. As far as I know, because i have already had fees paid for first year I have to pay the fees this time myself (I'm not 23 yet so i don't qualify as a mature student). Also because I received a grant for first year last time I'm not eligible to receive one this time. Now my financial situation is not great, neither of my parents are working, one parent is on disability benefit, and my other parent has become unemployed recently and has applied for benefits. I myself have been on job seekers allowance for about a year. I can't find employment and would like instead to go back to do a degree. I really confused about grants and such as there seems to be a myriad of different areas and options and my situation is a bit unusual. I'm just looking for help on this and was curious if anyone knew of any further options for help. Thanks.

Aoibheann

Are you starting a completely new degree or are you going back to finish the same degree?

If it's the first, as you stated, you will be liable for the fees for the first year, but from then on it would be whatever the scenario is with fees at that time. As it stands, that means free fees, however given what the government is considering, that's worth keeping an eye on. Grants I believe you'd be eligible for from second year onwards, subject to meeting the necessary requirements. This is as far as I'm aware, I'm going back to college this year to start a new degree and I know I'm liable for fees and I won't get a grant. However, it's worth contacting your local county council to check just in case you may be eligible for some form of grant. In addition, check with the college you're applying to, to see if they offer any form of scholarship for different reasons.

Not sure what the case is for returning to the same degree - I'd imagine it's that you pay for any years you're doing again, but any years you're doing for the first time (e.g. if you've never done 2nd year of any degree) are eligible for free fees as it stands.

This forum: http://boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1101 is definitely worth taking a look at, the mods are very helpful and knowledgeable!

sunnyside

I don't know the details about this but some people who are long term unemployed can keep their social welfare payments if they return to education. Post on the social welfare board here and make an appointment to speak to the job fascilitator at your social welfare office. They encourage people to do courses which would enable them to find a job in the future.

DESQ

I think you'll get the back to education allowance because you've been unemployed for a year,

Meaning you'll get the same as the dole a week and 500e at the start of each yr for books etc

As regards the grant if you did a level 8 degree before you prob won't get the grant or fees paid but apply anyway explain your situation and they might still put it through,

If you know a local politcian get on to him he'll prob be able to help you out and put in a word for you,

Best of luck with it

marthaclark

I'm in this position.

I finished my first year, and am returning to my 2nd year after dropping out due to medical reasons.

If you left your course for a medical reasons, you may be titled to a fees waiver, (and therefore your grant).

If you are starting a whole new course, you should be eligible for the back to education allowance, but I'm unsure how that works with the fees. I would talk to a jobs facilitator at your local social welfare office if it's a new course.

If you are starting a new course, and waited another year, you wouldn't be eligible for fees, (well, that's how it stands now, but who knows what will be in place for spetember 2010 - I'm told you get free fees if you are out of university for 5 years).