Seeking advice on third level eduction grants

pocahontasy

I'm a 30yr old female and am thinking of applying to college as a mature student, myself and husband are both in full time employment, and was just looking for advice on grants and to see if anybody knows if there is anything available like help towards childcare fees or anything, any advice will be greatly appreciated

paperclip2

Grant funding for third level comes from SUSI and covers 2 main areas: Registration fees and Maintenance. They are means tested payments and you would be assessed on your and your husbands income for the last full tax year.

The social welfare payment for people in fulltime education is BTEA. To be eligible you need to have been receiving a DSP payment such as Jobseekers for at least 234 days before the course starts.

You cannot get the SUSI Maintenance grant and BTEA, it's one or the other.

For people in third level the childcare provision that may apply is CCS, or Community Childcare Subvention. You would need to have a DSP payemnt and/or a medical card to receive this. Info on this is here: http://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/childcare/ccs_docs_sept_2013/Guide_to_admin_procedures_2013.htm

I've attached a couple of info sheets on BTEA and the grant but please double check all info with the relevant agencies.

pocahontasy

Thanks paperclip, that's a help, I had a browse through the sticky's but not sure where I stood, in the last tax year I had been on jobseekers with some casual work, not sure I have the full 234 days to be eligible though.

One more question if you don't mind, what is the minimum requirements for level 8 courses? The citizens information mentions leaving cert but does not mention if there is any alternative for mature students without LC? Can I apply for level 8 courses with no LC or should I only look at level 6 or 7?

paperclip2

Most courses, including level 8's, will accept applications from mature students without a Leaving Cert. There are some exceptions to this such as Veterinary Science, Medicine and some teaching courses but the vast majority will consider an application from a MS without the Leaving.

The national learners database http://www.qualifax.ie has a 'Course Finder' in the Student section. You can look up every third level course in the country on it and it will give you the entry requirements for Leaving Cert, Mature Students, FETAC applicants etc.

pocahontasy

Thank you so much for all your help, I really do appreciate it