Grant or assistance help for masters at age 21

IrishEyes19

Quick question.

Im 20, will be almost 22, (three months shy) when I go to do a masters in college in 2012. Have just finished a three year degree now. Im working and living independently of my parents now, but would I be elligible for any grant or assistance when I do my masters at 21 in 2012, as I dont make enough as of now in my part time job to even think of it. I was never elligable for any grants and such for my undergrad as my parents income exceeded it, but would the story be different now, since Im independent of that now

I also know you can apply for one when you are 22 as an independent, but I wont be 22, so thats not an option for me.

Any advice is appreciated

Annasopra

IrishEyes19 wrote: »

Quick question.

Im 20, will be almost 22, (three months shy) when I go to do a masters in college in 2012. Have just finished a three year degree now. Im working and living independently of my parents now, but would I be elligible for any grant or assistance when I do my masters at 21 in 2012, as I dont make enough as of now in my part time job to even think of it. I was never elligable for any grants and such for my undergrad as my parents income exceeded it, but would the story be different now, since Im independent of that now

I also know you can apply for one when you are 22 as an independent, but I wont be 22, so thats not an option for me.

Any advice is appreciated

No

You have to be 23 to be considered a mature candidate. You can't be considered independent of your parents until you are 23 or older.

cakeisgood

OP, I am finished college and cannot afford a masters. The state will do everything NOT to give you anything. Mature students get a lot of help so I would advise you not to even think of doing it until your 23. If your on SW for over 6 months BEFORE you do the course as far as I know you get welfare too as well as the grant. You have a part time job and am quite sure you would be penalised for it. The reality of this country is that people are rewarded for not working and you have to be realistic and do what you need to do to get your masters. A disturbing system but thats what it is here (although it may change by the time you are 23)

Personally I couldnt do it as not working etc for 6 months would depress me but I am realistic enough to realise that if I decide to do a masters in the future I may very well have to do this. Good luck OP with whatever you decide to do

IrishEyes19

cakeisgood wrote: »

OP, I am finished college and cannot afford a masters. The state will do everything NOT to give you anything. Mature students get a lot of help so I would advise you not to even think of doing it until your 23. If your on SW for over 6 months BEFORE you do the course as far as I know you get welfare too as well as the grant. You have a part time job and am quite sure you would be penalised for it. The reality of this country is that people are rewarded for not working and you have to be realistic and do what you need to do to get your masters. A disturbing system but thats what it is here (although it may change by the time you are 23)

Personally I couldnt do it as not working etc for 6 months would depress me but I am realistic enough to realise that if I decide to do a masters in the future I may very well have to do this. Good luck OP with whatever you decide to do

Thank you for your reply, I know, it actually kills me as I've always worked every summer since I was a teen so Ive never just been lazing around and without getting on my high horse or anything, Im lucky that Ive had a good childhood and was always financially comfortable, but as you said, the country has taken such a dive that with my younger siblings all facing college now in the next two years, its tougher money wise.

And it would kill me to not work for a few months and have to sign up for the dole though I understand its the only reality for many people right now, its just I do have the part time job, but with the hours I get and of course paying rent ect, its eating away at the money Im trying to put aside. But all things said, I really want to do this masters, so I will get there eventually.