SUSI question - am I entitled to fees?

CiaraBrady

Hey guys,

I'll try to keep this as concise as possible.

In 2012 I did a level 8 course in Dublin. Unfortunately I dropped out due to mental health issues (social anxiety and depression). Since then I have attended counselling and a mental health team and feel much more content and I now want to pursue a level 7 course in GMIT.

I now qualify for back to education allowance but that won't be enough to fund me for 3 years. Since I got a grant in 2012 am I now not entitled to get my fees paid for in the new course?

I have letters stating that I dropped out due to depression and anxiety and have applied to SUSI but have been refused the application.

I honestly thought that, that would be enough to help me get the funding. Should I ask for my application to be reviewed or is it worth it?

Thank you in advance!

maki

The Student Grant Scheme does have a provision for SUSI to waive certain restrictions in exceptional circumstances. These restrictions include repeating a year, and also repeating a period of study on a different course, which is what you're doing.
Unfortunately "exceptional circumstances" are not defined, and so you're at the mercy of whatever interpretation SUSI have drawn up.

I'd say it's worth getting your application reviewed. But be aware that you'll likely have to explain why you're starting a new course instead of continuing your previous one.