No BTEA for Masters

Peter Denham

Hi,

I'm currently working part time and on casual dockets. My current income just about gets me by renting in Dublin. I recently applied for a Master's relating to my field as it will have a lot of benefits in the search for full time work, even within my current company it would help get me more hours and a pay increase.

As luck would have it all classes take place on the two days I am not working but it is classed as a full time course. This leaves me no longer entitled to jobseekers as it is full time, and because it is a Master's I'm not entitled to BTEA.

I have qualified to have my fees paid by Susi but living costs would leave me under a lot of pressure. Funnily enough, if I didn't have a bachelors they would give me BTEA for a Masters, but because I do I get nothing.

Does anybody know of any alternative assistance in this case or is it just not doable?

Thanks

Peter Denham

Peter Denham wrote: »

Hi,

I'm currently working part time and on casual dockets. My current income just about gets me by renting in Dublin. I recently applied for a Master's relating to my field as it will have a lot of benefits in the search for full time work, even within my current company it would help get me more hours and a pay increase.

As luck would have it all classes take place on the two days I am not working but it is classed as a full time course. This leaves me no longer entitled to jobseekers as it is full time, and because it is a Master's I'm not entitled to BTEA.

I have qualified to have my fees paid by Susi but living costs would leave me under a lot of pressure. Funnily enough, if I didn't have a bachelors they would give me BTEA for a Masters, but because I do I get nothing.

Does anybody know of any alternative assistance in this case or is it just not doable?

Thanks

Most colleges have funds available. Contact students union in your college.

5tuck

Peter Denham wrote: »

Hi,
Funnily enough, if I didn't have a bachelors they would give me BTEA for a Masters, but because I do I get nothing.

Probably a stupid question here, but how could one do a masters without a bachelors before it?

Peter Denham

5tuck wrote: »

Probably a stupid question here, but how could one do a masters without a bachelors before it?

This particular course had a non standard entry procedure where they waive the academic requirements if you show potential etc. I'm not sure if that's the case all of the time.

zell12

You will not get Btea.
Your options are Susi, hardship fund in Uni
Do the Masters anyway, take out a small loan if needed

Peter Denham

zell12 wrote: »

You will not get Btea.
Your options are Susi, hardship fund in Uni
Do the Masters anyway, take out a small loan if needed

Hmm easier said than done with rent to think about. Extra bills or debt would put me under severe pressure. Susi will cover tuition fees then I'm left to find 3k myself for registration. Think I'll leave the Master's to those with money! It's a luxury I can't afford.

Peter Denham

Peter Denham wrote: »

Hmm easier said than done with rent to think about. Extra bills or debt would put me under severe pressure. Susi will cover tuition fees then I'm left to find 3k myself for registration. Think I'll leave the Master's to those with money! It's a luxury I can't afford.

Have you approached the colleges hardship fund or Vincent DePaul? Don’t give up until all avenues are explored.

Peter Denham

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Have you approached the colleges hardship fund or Vincent DePaul? Don’t give up until all avenues are explored.

Applications for college assistance open 1st of October.

I'll try Vincent De Paul.

Thanks