Grant + Big 4 Sponsorship?

Celtise

I received a grant throughout my undergrad and have been offered a sponsorship from a Big 4 firm for my postgrad. I was hoping to apply for a postgrad grant as well. Do I need to disclose the sponsorship to the county council when I apply? Will it effect the amount of grant I receive? Thanks to anyone for any help if they know or have gone through this kind of situation.

20 Times 20 Times

You dont need to disclose it.

The_Hustler

But since it goes straight to the college, you won't benefit fully from both. My firm sponsorship just covered the amount in excess of the grant so I was no better off than anybody else.

I even had to fight for that because they claimed they'd stop sponsorship at €7k (€7k was the full sponsorship) when total fees were €7.5k even though €6k or something was already covered by the grant i.e. they wanted me to pay the €500.
In the end they increased it to €7.5k for everyone, strange.

The firm seemed to be taking it upon themselves to make sure everyone was in the exact same boat and making sure the benefit of other financial aid was negated, despite it being given for a reason.

Not sure what would have happened if I was in UCD where the fees are higher, they probably would have copped on and realised the point I was making, but I'd be very surprised if they hadn't come across this before.

Celtise

Well my company told me they would pay whatever was outstanding (c. €2k) after the council had paid their max fee level while getting an additional sum for myself then. PLUS the money that goes directly to me and not the college. So it doesn't go all straight to the college so I don't know what to declare to council! Even if I included them all on top of the assessed income I should still qualify for the full entitlement under the rules as far as I can see but they could interpret things differently.

The_Hustler

Well you certainly have a better deal than I got, but I heard that of other firms at the time.

No, there's no need to declare to the council as far as I know.

Celtise

It seems to be around standard now from what I hear so happy out. And suppose starting salaries are lower now than they used to be so it evens out somewhere.

The_Hustler

I haven't escaped the low salaries, still on lower than I started, so I wish I had got the extra money you are to even it out!

Celtise

That sucks! I think when I start I will be on lower than what I got when I did placement there last year, though probably less work/responsibility surprisingly!

Celtise

I just rang the council there, maybe slightly fudging the numbers a bit. She was really nice and said don't bother including it. Sweet.

At least if they come back now and question it, I can say I asked! It is Kerry CoCo though and they process rather fast even without me hassling them so hopefully they will have paid the fees before the company have to so they will never have to know.