Student grant help

NoQuarter

Hi folks, hopefully someone can help me out with this one.

I'm looking to start a post grad course later this year and I'm completely confused as to if i am entitled to anything.

The course is the Kings Inns Barrister-at-law 1 year degree. the fees are around 12,500 for the year. This course is approved by the local authority for the scheme.

I think my folks pay for last year came in around the 47,000 mark combined. This year however my father got a hip operation and is out of work for the next 12 weeks or so (not sure if this info means anything).

I am over 23 and living at home with my parents.


Can anyone tell if i am entitled to anything? I cant afford to go to college if i have to pay the full fees.

Thanks and any more info required just let me know!

Annasopra

I had a look at the reckonable income limit bands on studentfinance.ie and it looks like you may not get anything however that is not 100% definite at all

you might be entitled to a grant which will pay half of the fees

the income is assessed on the previous year - so for example if you start in Sep 2011 then income for 2010 is assessed - however if there is a substantial change in income then they can take this into account e.g. if your father being out of work means he has reduced income or loss of income for 3 months

Also there are changes almost every year so while it might look like you are entitled this year this might not be the case next year

NoQuarter

Thanks johnny,

The lady in the higher education place today said that the scheme doesnt start till around june, is that true?

I thought i should be applying now?

Annasopra

no June is about right - have a look at this years forms try and get all of the information together between now and june ie birth certs, bills, proof of address, details showing parents income, basically everthing they ask for so that when the forms come out in June you can be one of the first applicants

Tree

also, bear in mind, that the local authority will pay up to 5 or 6k towards the fees for a postgrad course (can't remember exactly and this may change). you'll have to put up the addition 6 or 7k yourself. depending on the college, they may want 70% or all of this at the start of the first semester. so bear that in mind incase you need to blag a student loan

Annasopra

Tree wrote: »

also, bear in mind, that the local authority will pay up to 5 or 6k towards the fees for a postgrad course (can't remember exactly and this may change). you'll have to put up the addition 6 or 7k yourself. depending on the college, they may want 70% or all of this at the start of the first semester. so bear that in mind incase you need to blag a student loan

At the moment they pay up to €6270 in tuition fees

If you are going to try a student loan - start saving with a credit union now if possible on a regular basis

NoQuarter

Thanks Tree, yeah its something im aware of, luckily the course splits the fees into 2 semesters, not that having to pay 6 grand per semester is in any way lucky.

One thing gets me though, the studentfinance sitr says if your within a certain bracket you get full feels paid, is that with the caveat of only up to 6270 then???

And what is the situation for people who like myself, are waiting to find out whether they can get the grant to decide if i can go to that course or not? Im missing opportunities for other things while waiting to see if i can get this and i may get turned down, isnt there any way of knowing if your eligible and likely to get it at this stage??

Annasopra

NoQuarter wrote: »

One thing gets me though, the studentfinance sitr says if your within a certain bracket you get full feels paid, is that with the caveat of only up to 6270 then???

yes

Tree

Beware, they may split the fees into two semesters for people who are paying themselves, but they may ask for money in a different fashion in conjunction with the local authority fee. And they may try to get you to pay the fees in advance as if you wouldnt get the grant, some colleges wont issue an id card until you either have proof of grant or have paid the fees.
So start saving now regardless tbh

NoQuarter

Thanks guys,

And just for the sake of being 100% clear, if i am above most brackets but still under the 51,000 bracket (only approx figures) according to the studentfinances site i may be entitled to 50% fees.

So does that equate to 50% of 6270, ie 3135??

Tree

Not nessecarilly. The 50% of fees refers to the undergraduate registration fee afaik.
The council's contribution to fees for postgraduate courses is at the descretion of the council as far as i can tell, and you're not always guaranteed it. Best bet is to see if your local council can tell you what they did for someone in your circumstances this year, and then keep hassling them when next years figures come out.