Help please im Planning ahead to go back to education - SUSI question + mature ?

theLEVI

Hello there !

I'm trying to figure out what i want to do next in life or rather make some sort of a plan,
i have dropped out of college after studying engineering for one year i didn't finish the 1st semester (of 2nd year) and i didn't like THE college in general, which one was it?- doesn't matter, but what i have done has serious implications on my future, i can't go back to undergrad because i won't get a grant because of the lack of progression (dropped out in the middle of semester).

im nearly 22 years old, just moved out of my parents or rather they left the city so had to move on my own also just started work full time, ****ty job really.

I was wondering, because i was on the old grant not SUSI, can i apply for SUSI and they won't find out about my "lack of progression" as they call it ?

Then again once i turn 23( on september 2015) i will be qualified as a mature applicant but that doesn't do me any good as i have a decent Leaving cert anyway - with 11 subjects totaling (from my best 6) to 400 points (i had interest in everything), but does the mature applicant status help me with getting the SUSI in any way after i turn 23 having the "lack of progression" in the past ?

Does the mature applicant status gives one any benefits or what?

I figured i can save 6k+ maybe 7k moneys this year, working.. and i wonder how to then take it from there (living in Dublin isn't cheap and) i can't move out from Dublin as i promised my girlfriend when she started college that i won't leave dublin, as she moved to Dublin for me, literally.

IF i can't get the SUSI grant then ill have to pay 3k for fees roughly and survive for the year on 3-4k ( with rent 300 per month it ammounts to 3,6k yearly) so im left with 400 on food and bills, i might get a job but this isn't guaranteed now times so im planning ahead to be on the safe side.


The story of my life, huh .. can anybody advise me on what could i do or address any of the question raised above ?

Thanks,
Levi.

dptcoyle

Being a mature applicant wont help your application. I'm in the same situation as yourself, dropped out of a Level 8 course years ago and just started a Level 6. SUSI aren't giving me any funding because of a 'lack of progression'. I'm appealing it on the basis that I dont hold a Level 8 qualification, but not hoping for much at this stage.

According to the SUSI site you might be eligible as a 'second chance' student, so try appealing on those grounds. I'm doing it myself, I'll let you know if it works.

BonkeyDonker

As you did not complete your previous course of study and received a grant - even under the old system - then you will have to fund the equivalent number of years yourself. So by the sounds of it in your case you will have to fund year one and two, unless five years has passed since your last year.

As for your financial predicament, as you will be over 23 should qualify for BTEA - this would give you a steady weekly income to go with your savings, but you would need to be um-employed for a period of time before you start your course. You can find more information here - http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/back_to_education/back_to_education_allowance.html - or perhaps talk to your local SA office.

Annasopra

When did you drop out?

theLEVI

i dropped after one and a half year, a year ago maybe little less.
I think ill just do a lvl 7 in Dit while working fulltime, still should get a good job out of lvl 7 i think ? im thinking of IT, comp science or computing after one year of evening study would you say i could find a job in the sector? i really hate my current job