21 Year Old - Third Level Education - Any Financial Help?

05-02-2010 4:08pm #1

Hey all,

Currently 21 (22 in June) and on a FAS course ("Introduction to Digital Film Making" - FETAC Level 3).

Today we went up to DIFE (Drogheda Institute Of Further Education) as they were having an open day. One or two courses took my interest and I'm considering applying to them.

However, I was just wondering if anyone would happen to know where I stand with regards to a (Govt. Funded) income?

As far as I'm aware, I'm free to go get my Leaving Cert (second level education) as a 21 year old and the Government will pay me via Back To Education Allowance. However, in order to study for a Third Level course, I need to be at least 23.

According to Citizen's Information:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/back-to-education/back_to_education_allowance

there are a few exceptions, though none of which seem to favour me unfortunately.

Also, they say that you must be in receipt of a Social Welfare payment for X amount of time prior to being eligible for BTEA, does the FAS training allowance count toward this, too? Or must I literally be doing nothing prior to the course of choice?

I'm aware these are some pretty awkward questions, so if people aren't able to help, i'd be more than happy to try to figure it out myself, however, would anyone be able to tell me who I need to ask?

There's a local 'VEC', a FAS Office, Youth Centre, Social Welfare office,etc. in the town and I really have no idea where to even start looking for such answers.

sceptre · 05-02-2010 5:47pm

AFAIK the Fas course counts towards the time. I'm pretty sure of it.

Doubtless someone here will have some good info but the definitive way to get an answer is to call into your local unemployment office. They've a dedicated person to deal with education schemes and they can tell you exactly what's what.

21 Year Old - Third Level Education - Any Financial Help?

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