Grant Question?

Stinicker

I am thinking of doing a FAS course this Autumn. I am currently unemployed and on Jobseekers Allowance (the Dole). I dropped out of secondary school early without any qualifications and want to get some papers to my name. I have found a Fas course that would suit me perfectly and need to get some information about grants or allowances payable.

I get the full rate of social welfare @ €188 currently and live by myself and the Fas people told me I would qualify as a Mature student. The thing is I am not sure if I can afford to do the course as I have crunched the sums and it will cost me around €110/week in petrol to do the commute daily to the course which is a 100mile round trip daily. Renting apartments near the Fas centre range from €600 - €700 a month and are totally out of budget.

I understand the "Back to Education Allowance" is currently only the same rate as the dole of €188 and this would be barely sufficient to live on.

Any ideas?

Agent_99

While you are in receipt of a SW payment any grant will only cover Fees, there is no "Maintenance" Portion Paid if you are receiving BTEA.

FAS i presume are funding the course ask them are there any extra allowances. You don't state what the course is or at what level.
Try http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp9530/support-for-those-on-social-welfare-or-btea/index.html

Annasopra

I think FAS courses are separate from third level education i.e. - you don't get BTEA for fas courses.

bookworms

FAS courses have not been eligible for grant purposes traditionally. The new scheme is being launched next week so keep an eye out for any changes to that on www.studentfinance.ie