BTEA

James__10

I dropped out of college last April (DKIT) and then applied for Job Seekers which I got i'm now doing a FAS Course but my main aim is to go back to college next September preferably but theres no way I could afford the fees:mad:

Am I entitled to BTEA next September? I'm 19 years old btw and currently doing a 12 week ECDL course in FAS

sparkling sea

If you were 21 and on JA or JB and on your course you might qualify - it would depend on how long you had been employed before you started the FAS course.

At 19, you would need to be getting either; Blind Pension, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, or Incapacity Supplement (based on a life Disablement Pension). At 19 I think you would have to be getting one of these payments for at least 9 months for a 3rd level payment.

You could apply for a grant though

James__10

I was recieving the maintence grant last year so I dont think i'll be able to get it again.

Balagan

James__10 wrote: »

I was recieving the maintence grant last year so I dont think i'll be able to get it again.

In general, you will not get a grant for repeating a year or attending a course at a level that does not represent progression from what you have done before. These conditions are specified in paragraphs 14 to 17 of the Student Grant Scheme 2011 (pdf). However, ‘second chance students’ may be eligible for a grant. A ‘second chance student’ is someone who is aged over 23, did not successfully complete an earlier course and is returning to pursue an approved course after at least 5 years.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third_level_education/fees_and_supports_for_third_level_education/maintenance_grant_schemes_for_students_on_third_level_courses.html

James__10

ah balls :mad:

James__10

Is there any sort of grant I could get? Even if I did a PLC course for a year?

ShaShaBear

I think there is a smaller grant for doing PLC courses, but other than that, there isn't anything available. I had to stay on the dole for almost two years before I was able to get back into DkIT on BTEA. I'm not sure how long you need to be on it now, but I think there is also a minimum requirement on how long you've been out of formal education.

James__10

I'm going to apply with CAO anyway and keep my options open. Hopefully come August/September time i'll somehow be entitled to some sort of grant or even keep my dole.