Grant/BTEA Eligibility Query

maki

Apologies if this has been asked before, but I believe I'm in a bit of a rare situation here.

I was doing a level 8 course but dropped out after third year and received a level 7 degree. That degree is essentially useless to me and as such I've been on social welfare for the past three years.

I've now applied to start another level 8 course but I'm totally confused as to whether I'm entitled to BTEA, or for the grant (to pay fees).

The BTEA eligibility criteria state I can't take an equivalent undergrad course. Since I started a level 8 course and finished with a level 7 degree, is starting a new level 8 course considered progression?

maki

Could anyone help me on this please? The information I've managed to gather by myself seems to be vague at best.

RealistSpy

maki wrote: »

Could anyone help me on this please? The information I've managed to gather by myself seems to be vague at best.

You should be eligible if you are starting from 1st year.

Undergraduate courses

You must be starting your third-level course at year one. However, you can apply for BTEA if you:

1. Did not complete your course and are returning to the second or subsequent year of your course
   
2. Are exempt from part of your course because of a qualification you received in a previous course. For example, you have a higher certificate in a course that you now wish to pursue to degree level.
   
3. Completed some of your course as a part-time student, but are now getting a jobseeker's payment and will continue your course on a full-time basis

maki

Just a little update on this:

I went into the grant office today with everything I thought I needed. The girl at the desk looked through my form and then informed me that since it's only been two years since I graduated, and not 3 years, and that I was under 23 when I entered my first course, I'm now going to be assessed on my parents income.

Does that make sense to anybody? It doesn't really add up that after living independently for 7 years I'm still going to be assessed on my parents income, which quite likely will make me ineligible.

hokeypokey

maki wrote: »

Just a little update on this:

I went into the grant office today with everything I thought I needed. The girl at the desk looked through my form and then informed me that since it's only been two years since I graduated, and not 3 years, and that I was under 23 when I entered my first course, I'm now going to be assessed on my parents income.

Does that make sense to anybody? It doesn't really add up that after living independently for 7 years I'm still going to be assessed on my parents income, which quite likely will make me ineligible.

I think its ok once you prove you have no assistance financially from them.

maki

hokeypokey wrote: »

I think its ok once you prove you have no assistance financially from them.

I don't have any assistance from them, but that's not the issue.
They seem to be more concerned about the timing of my educational history. I don't understand why the year of entry to a previous course could have any relevance whatsoever.

Annasopra

maki wrote: »

I don't have any assistance from them, but that's not the issue.
They seem to be more concerned about the timing of my educational history. I don't understand why the year of entry to a previous course could have any relevance whatsoever.

Because the grant is awarded based on whether you are entering or reentering

(5) “Re-entry”, for the purposes of this Scheme, means a mature student
entering an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years,
having previously attended an approved course

http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/Student%20Grant%20Scheme%202011.pdf