Grant for PgDip & MA?

dceire

I'm looking at doing a PgDip in DIT this coming year. I have qualified for a VEC grant in the past and imagine I should get some manor of grant for this course too.

My question is, if I were to go on to a MA course next year, would I qualify for a grant for that as a PgDip and MA are both level 9 on the framework?

I'm pretty sure I'm right in saying that you need to progress to a higher level to continue to qualify.

Perplexed22

dceire wrote: »

I'm looking at doing a PgDip in DIT this coming year. I have qualified for a VEC grant in the past and imagine I should get some manor of grant for this course too.

My question is, if I were to go on to a MA course next year, would I qualify for a grant for that as a PgDip and MA are both level 9 on the framework?

I'm pretty sure I'm right in saying that you need to progress to a higher level to continue to qualify.

Even though both are at Level 9 you can be funded for a Masters after being funded for a post-graduate diploma as the diploma is considered a lower level 9 course than a masters (see Article 17(3)(d) of the Student Grant Scheme 2011)

In other words as long as you do the diploma first you can have a grant for both

dceire

Cheers mate. I thought it should be like that alright but wouldn't have been surprised if they tried to worm their way out of it on a technicality like that.

saa

Yeah what I want is diploma then masters probably the same level

I will be fine if I get straight into it after next year because I can get out of my masters just turning 23

Is anyone over 23 looking for funding for post grad, im worried i have to wait a year I wont get the full grant

dceire

I'm 24 at the minute, out of college 2 years now. What bearing does that have on the grant?

Also, is there anyway of checking if I'll definitely get a grant before applying?

RoyalMarine

dceire wrote: »

I'm 24 at the minute, out of college 2 years now. What bearing does that have on the grant?

Also, is there anyway of checking if I'll definitely get a grant before applying?

there is no 100% way say if you will get accpeted for the grant. the application doesnt take long, and once its processed they will contact you and let you know if you have been accepted or not.

honestly, its pointless not applying. as i mentioned, it doesnt take too long to apply online.

saa

dceire wrote: »

I'm 24 at the minute, out of college 2 years now. What bearing does that have on the grant?

Also, is there anyway of checking if I'll definitely get a grant before applying?

After 23 your application isn't based on your parents income, now hopefully a 24 year old with a low income will have a good chance but sometimes the amount of siblings has a great impact on getting a full rate grant.

but its not based on last years income but the year before I think, not absolutely sure but after 23 its a little more iffy as I said hopefully I get straight into a masters as I don't want it to be based on my own income even though it won't be higher than dole/ min wage

RoyalMarine

saa wrote: »

After 23 your application isn't based on your parents income,

i dont think this is accurate.

i know it has relevance with regards to btea, jsa, etc but i dont think it has any affect with the grant.

im 26 and i was means tested on my parents last year for fee's.

Perplexed22

saa wrote: »

After 23 your application isn't based on your parents income, now hopefully a 24 year old with a low income will have a good chance but sometimes the amount of siblings has a great impact on getting a full rate grant.

but its not based on last years income but the year before I think, not absolutely sure but after 23 its a little more iffy as I said hopefully I get straight into a masters as I don't want it to be based on my own income even though it won't be higher than dole/ min wage

This isn't quite right. If you are over 23 on 01 January of the year you start your course you are considered a 'mature' candidate. You can apply for your grant in two ways: as a 'mature dependent candidate' or an 'independent mature candidate'.

The first is one who gives parents' income details as well as their own. To qualify under the second category, candidates must prove that they live independently from their parents and have had a break in studies of three years since they finished their last course - this category of students doesn't have give details of their parents income and is assessed on their own income and that of any spouse or co-habiting partner.

The grant is based on income in the last full year - 2011 applications are assessed on income in 2010 (unless there's a change in circumstances)

Annasopra

dceire wrote: »

I'm 24 at the minute, out of college 2 years now. What bearing does that have on the grant?

Also, is there anyway of checking if I'll definitely get a grant before applying?

It depends - if you are dependent on your parents then it depends

dceire

At the moment I am dependent on my parents but was considering moving out in the next few months. I'm sure this would have a bearing on my grant.

Annasopra

dceire wrote: »

At the moment I am dependent on my parents but was considering moving out in the next few months. I'm sure this would have a bearing on my grant.

Yes the grant would be means tested on your parents income

dceire

mango salsa wrote: »

Yes the grant would be means tested on your parents income

Ok, thanks. I have been giving serious thought to moving out but need to do my sums. Hopefully I can get an idea of my grant from the citizens advice people before making any final decision.

Annasopra

dceire wrote: »

Ok, thanks. I have been giving serious thought to moving out but need to do my sums. Hopefully I can get an idea of my grant from the citizens advice people before making any final decision.

Even if you move out it will still be based on your parents income because A its assessed on where you lived in October last year and B because of the 3 year rule you cannot be assessed as an independent mature student for 3 years after graduating.

dceire

mango salsa wrote: »

Even if you move out it will still be based on your parents income because A its assessed on where you lived in October last year and B because of the 3 year rule you cannot be assessed as an independent mature student for 3 years after graduating.

Actually, thinking about it my address in October last year was; Commercial Dr, Vancouver, Canada. I'm only out of my degree 2 years though so I'm guessing that's where the 3 year rule would come into play.

I went down to the citizens information centre today and they said I should get part maintenance (25% - €780) and my course fee paid (€3750). To be honest I'd be happy just to get the course fee paid as I should just about have enough to live off for the year. This was based on my parents income but did not include my own for the past year; I see they have a section for 'Personal Income' on the grant form. I was working for about 8 months in 2010 and am currently in full time employment; will this be added to my parents total for the income limits?

dceire

Just a question on the adjacent/non-adjacent (45 kilometer) rule. Is this based on your home address or your term address?

donegal11

Your Home address