Can I get money from FAS to back to college?

Barack Obama

Hi. I have a degree in IT but have been out of work since before Christmas. I am 15 years in the industry and worked up to a management level. I've looked through the FAS course listing and there is simply nothing there for me .

I've looked at a few MSc courses around IT management which would be a great help to me to get back to work but the cost is approx. €2k which I can't afford to pay at the minute. I've been told that you can approach FAS and ask them to help with the payments in cases like this.

Does anyone know if this info is anyway correct and how I might go taking it further? The FAS website isn't much help

Cliona99

This is based entirely on information from the social welfare facilitator where I live. She said they could fund up to 75% of a course, up to a maximum of about €700. They have a lot of discretion over which courses are eligible for this funding. You can call and make an appointment to see you facilitator, he/she might be able to give you definite answers, or point you in the direction of more suitable funding.

(studentfinance.ie is a great site. Can you get a maintenance grant or the Back To Education Allowance for a masters?)

cee_jay

You cannot get Back to Education Allowance for a Masters.
OP the Job Facilitator is the person to talk to re: funding - you can make an appointment at your local office.

Barack Obama

Thanks for thin info guys. Cee_jay - do you mean the facilitator at the FAS office or the DOSP office? Sorry - I think there is one at each!!

cee_jay

I mean in the social welfare office. But if theres one in each, no harm in trying both!