Entitled to grant to pay fee's...?

rhythm90

Hey all, I have received my letter of acceptance to college to start in September doing a level 8 course. However, I have previously studied 2 yrs at 3rd level doing a level 8 course, which I dropped out of due to financial reasons. It has been 2 years since then. I did not receive a grant for my fee's then as stupidly, I wasnt aware of my entitlements at the time... Although I've been told that regardless of whether or not I received a grant before, I will not be entitled to get one this time around as I have already been to college.

Can somebody tell me if this true or untrue?

My other alternative is to go down the route of student loans... but I'd like to know for sure first if theres any hope of getting a fee paying grant instead!

Cheers

ninty9er

Heya,

When did you initially start the previous level 8 course?

achmairt

I'm afraid u have to do the first two yrs of this course at ur own expense.
That means u wont be considered for a grant or fees for the same duration as your first course. It doesn't matter whether u got a grant or not. There is a second chance degree clause but u have to be five yrs out of college to avail of that. :mad::mad::mad:

rhythm90

Hi guys, thanks for replies, much appreciated.

I started my previous course in September 2007, and dropped out in 2009.

@achmairt, I had heard something like that applied in some cases... It's a serious stinger. Oh well... at least I guess I will be eligble for a grant for the last two yrs of this new course... (four yrs).

MickShamrock

achmairt wrote: »

There is a second chance degree clause but u have to be five yrs out of college to avail of that. :mad::mad::mad:

I'm hit with full fees and it has been over 5 years since I was last in college.

donegal11

MickShamrock wrote: »

I'm hit with full fees and it has been over 5 years since I was last in college.

did you finish the course ? i.e get a degree. Second chance 5 year thing is only for drop outs.

MickShamrock

donegal11 wrote: »

did you finish the course ? i.e get a degree. Second chance 5 year thing is only for drop outs.

Got a certificate. Failed third year.

Grants fairy

I wouldn't write it off just yet. The Department are launching a new unified grants scheme this year and the rules may be quite different to the previous scheme. It should be out in the next 2 weeks and you can read it to find out.

ArtSmart

not only that, i'm pretty sure the 5 year rule is for undergrad.

i think there might be wiggle room here tbh, if you received no qual. at post grad level then you might well be ok.

suggest you ring any HEG section local authority.

rhythm90

Grants fairy wrote: »

I wouldn't write it off just yet. The Department are launching a new unified grants scheme this year and the rules may be quite different to the previous scheme. It should be out in the next 2 weeks and you can read it to find out.

Sounds somewhat promising... Have you a link to somewhere I can read more? however sketchy info might be? You understand my yearning for some kind of financial reprieve

MickShamrock

Grants fairy wrote: »

I wouldn't write it off just yet. The Department are launching a new unified grants scheme this year and the rules may be quite different to the previous scheme. It should be out in the next 2 weeks and you can read it to find out.

I'm sure if anything things will just get worst. The country is in a recession and I can only see them cutting back on grants even more. So, no hope for those who are stuck without one.

EricC

Hi there,

I was just going through the above comments and hopefully you guys can help me clear up a few issues i may possibly have.

I graduated from a Level 8 course in 2010, but in the current climate have not been able to find the right job for me. Over the past 18 months i have been trying to figure out what to do next.

I have been looking at courses and am contemplating going back to college to do another level 8 undergrad degree in september 2012 (3 year course)

The thing i really want to know about is if i will have to pay fees. Is there anyway i can get a grant or assistance while doing the course.

Annasopra

EricC wrote: »

Hi there,

I was just going through the above comments and hopefully you guys can help me clear up a few issues i may possibly have.

I graduated from a Level 8 course in 2010, but in the current climate have not been able to find the right job for me. Over the past 18 months i have been trying to figure out what to do next.

I have been looking at courses and am contemplating going back to college to do another level 8 undergrad degree in september 2012 (3 year course)

The thing i really want to know about is if i will have to pay fees. Is there anyway i can get a grant or assistance while doing the course.

No

If you have availed of free fees at level 8 already then you won't get free fees or a grant

EricC

Johnnymcg wrote: »

No

If you have availed of free fees at level 8 already then you won't get free fees or a grant

Thanks for the reply, not the reply I was hoping for. Do you know if there is any financial assistance available for students like myself returning to college.