Mature student Free Fees, previously in College?

liamtech

Hi folks.

Im totally confused about this situation -

Background - 10 years ago i attended college (computer Science). I left the college course in order to take a job i was offered - As with so many people in ireland, i was made redundant mid last year - It took me a while to get my head sorted but eventually, after 100 odd job applications, i applied to go back to college - Iv decided to get out of IT, so i applied for an Arts course and was accepted last week!

As i will have been unemployed for well over a year when college starts, i am most likely entitled to the Back to Education Allowance.

As i was earning little or no money when i was made redundant, i will also most likely be entitled to have my council pay for my registration fee -

BUT what about tuition Fees? This is where everything gets a little hazy*

It was told by the college department to which i am applying that as it was over 5 years ago, i should be entitled to Tuition fees.

However on several sites most notably studentfinance.ie, it is stated that "Free Fees are for FIRST TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS". I am now totally confused, and EXTREMELY CONCERNED. Having attended tonnes of College interviews, and been awarded the course i wanted, am i now TOTALLY SCREWED. I think it quite ridiculous that the BTEA will be available to me, along with the registration fee from the county council, but they will be looking for around 4000 odd in tuition fees - Needless to say if they are charging me this, then i cant go to college in September - PLAIN AND SIMPLE

PLEASE - can someone help or advise me in this regard? has anyone returned to college after almost 10 years working, after being made redundant - who previously attended college in the late 90's early 00's. For the record both my previous course and the one which intend to complete are/were degree courses - level 8

PLEASE HELP!!! and thank you in advance

Annasopra

Yes

The college is correct - over 5 years ago means that you are deemed "second chance student" - that means you are eligible for free tuition fees and also for the grant to pay the student contribution fee

Predalien

I'm not sure if that's true, as you have previously studied to level 8 and completed the course I don't think you can be deemed a second chance student no matter how long you're out of college, I think that second chance thing is for those that previously started but did not complete a course, I could be wrong though and lots of the info is very unclear.

Annasopra

Predalien wrote: »

I'm not sure if that's true, as you have previously studied to level 8 and completed the course I don't think you can be deemed a second chance student no matter how long you're out of college, I think that second chance thing is for those that previously started but did not complete a course, I could be wrong though and lots of the info is very unclear.

Actually sorry. I think I misunderstood the OP - Yes second chance only refers to if you dropped out of the first course. I think in this case you may have to pay full fees.

MintyMagnum

If u attended college before 'free fees' were introduced & u had to pay tuition then, can you now do a course without paying fees?

ED E

MintyMagnum wrote: »

If u attended college before 'free fees' were introduced & u had to pay tuition then, can you now do a course without paying fees?

That should be a yes if you are progressing. So if you did a level 7 paid before then you can do a level 8 free, but not another level 7. Best to check with an institutions admissions dept though to be sure.

BonkeyDonker

Predalien wrote: »

I'm not sure if that's true, as you have previously studied to level 8 and completed the course I don't think you can be deemed a second chance student no matter how long you're out of college, I think that second chance thing is for those that previously started but did not complete a course, I could be wrong though and lots of the info is very unclear.

Joeytheparrot wrote: »

Actually sorry. I think I misunderstood the OP - Yes second chance only refers to if you dropped out of the first course. I think in this case you may have to pay full fees.

The OP needs to clarify if he actually completed, and hold a level 8 qualification. I have read the OP several times and get the impression he left before completing the course. But again it is a bit ambigious.

ED E

Think they've probably got it sorted by now considering it was 5yrs ago.