susi tutorial fees eligibility query

expatoz

hello
i am wondering if anyone can give me some advice on susi and tutorial fees.
i am currently on disability allowance and have applied to susi for fees and tutorial fees. i am waiting for a decision at the moment but my college is telling me that i probably won't be eligible for tutorial fees because i did a art time distance learning level 7 diploma course in 2004. the course i am now undertaking is level 8 and a completely different subject. the previous course was paid for out of my own pocket so i have never applied for fees before and didn't claim tax relief. i have heard that after 10 years out of education i should be eligible because of the 5 year rule but i can't find any clarification on this anywhere. i am a mature independent student with disability allowance as my only means
any help would be greatly appreciated

Sup08

expatoz wrote: »

hello
i am wondering if anyone can give me some advice on susi and tutorial fees.
i am currently on disability allowance and have applied to susi for fees and tutorial fees. i am waiting for a decision at the moment but my college is telling me that i probably won't be eligible for tutorial fees because i did a art time distance learning level 7 diploma course in 2004. the course i am now undertaking is level 8 and a completely different subject. the previous course was paid for out of my own pocket so i have never applied for fees before and didn't claim tax relief. i have heard that after 10 years out of education i should be eligible because of the 5 year rule but i can't find any clarification on this anywhere. i am a mature independent student with disability allowance as my only means
any help would be greatly appreciated

There are no 10 or 5 year rules once you have gained a qualification at the same level, you must be progressing in studies to qualify for grant assistance.
You need to find out from QQI what your Level 7 Diploma is the equivalent of on the current NFQ.
If your Diploma is the same as an NFQ Level 7 Ordinary Degree then you may be eligible to return to education on a Level 8 Honours Degree Course for a further 4 years.

expatoz

hi thanks for response, my previous college have told me this
The Diploma carries 90 ECTS (NFQ Level 7)
the course i have begun is Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ)
thanks again