Going back to College? Check here for Mature/Disabled/Access/Grant & Fees information

Twilightning · 02-07-2015 9:52am

I just received my letter back from SUSI requesting documentation needed to be sent off and they're looking for:

My evidence of living here for the last 3 of 5 years
VTOS statement

I've no idea how to go about getting that statement and where I need to go to get it stamped/signed. Also, what would be the most appropriate stuff to send them for my proof of living here? I don't have any bank statements and usually throw away most post, especially from 3 or more years ago.

the whole year inn · 02-07-2015 9:55am

Twilightning wrote: »

I just received my letter back from SUSI requesting documentation needed to be sent off and they're looking for:
My evidence of living here for the last 3 of 5 years

VTOS statement

I've no idea how to go about getting that statement and where I need to go to get it stamped/signed. Also, what would be the most appropriate stuff to send them for my proof of living here? I don't have any bank statements and usually throw away most post, especially from 3 or more years ago.

For living here I sent in p60 theres a list on the back of the lette saying what ya can use

Kitty89 · 03-07-2015 6:18pm

I just got accepted to a level 8 course and I have a question about the fees. I'm a mature student who completed another level 8 course in 2010, so this would be my second level 8 course. According to SUSI I am not eligible for a grant because I am doing the same level of course again, but I was wondering if I would be paying both the student contribution fee, as well as the tuition fee? Or is there some thing about having been away for a number of years that I won't have to pay the tuition?

AngryLips · 03-07-2015 6:23pm

When did you get your letters from Susi and when did you apply? I applied within the first week of applications opening but haven't heard anything

Sup08 · 03-07-2015 6:30pm

Kitty89 wrote: »

I just got accepted to a level 8 course and I have a question about the fees. I'm a mature student who completed another level 8 course in 2010, so this would be my second level 8 course. According to SUSI I am not eligible for a grant because I am doing the same level of course again, but I was wondering if I would be paying both the student contribution fee, as well as the tuition fee? Or is there some thing about having been away for a number of years that I won't have to pay the tuition?

Unfortunately, you pay all fees even if you never received funding for your previous course.
You will only be eligible for a fee contribution if you are progressing to Post Graduate study on an approved course.

Sup08 · 03-07-2015 6:31pm

AngryLips wrote: »

When did you get your letters from Susi and when did you apply? I applied within the first week of applications opening but haven't heard anything

Straight forward refusals would be fairly quick to learn they don't qualify, also depending on when they originally applied.

paperclip2 · 06-07-2015 9:25am

Twilightning wrote: »

I just received my letter back from SUSI requesting documentation needed to be sent off and they're looking for:
My evidence of living here for the last 3 of 5 years

VTOS statement

I've no idea how to go about getting that statement and where I need to go to get it stamped/signed. Also, what would be the most appropriate stuff to send them for my proof of living here? I don't have any bank statements and usually throw away most post, especially from 3 or more years ago.

SUSI have a doc on their site listing the acceptable documents required to verify your application: http://susi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Document-Requirement-Guidelines-in-Support-of-your-Grant-Application.pdf

A VTOS cert should be available from whatever centre you attended as a VTOS student. If they are closed then the head office of whatever ETB local area you are in should be able to provide it.

Kitty89 · 08-07-2015 4:18pm

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew if I would be entitled to any funding based on this situation. I have previously completed a level 8 course in 2010, but it was only 3 years long. I'm going into another level 8 course which is 4 years long. Would I be entitled to anything for the 4th year considering my last course didn't have a fourth year?

Thanks for any info:)

Sup08 · 08-07-2015 6:45pm

Kitty89 wrote: »

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew if I would be entitled to any funding based on this situation. I have previously completed a level 8 course in 2010, but it was only 3 years long. I'm going into another level 8 course which is 4 years long. Would I be entitled to anything for the 4th year considering my last course didn't have a fourth year?

Thanks for any info:)

You would not be entitled to any further funding for a course of the same level or any level less than a qualification achieved.
You must progress to a course at a higher level (post graduate) to be eligible for further funding.

JayIre · 09-07-2015 10:35am

*SUSI question

-B4. Evidence of residence in Ireland, the EU/EEU or Switzerland for 3 of the last 5 years.

Would a bank statement for 2012, 2013, 2014 cover me on this?

Sup08 · 09-07-2015 6:04pm

JayIre wrote: »

*SUSI question

-B4. Evidence of residence in Ireland, the EU/EEU or Switzerland for 3 of the last 5 years.

Would a bank statement for 2012, 2013, 2014 cover me on this?

As long as the statements clearly show transactions in the state.
This could be making a purchase in a store.
Online transactions would not count.

raze_them_all_ · 10-07-2015 5:22pm

Hi just looking at somethings here and need help, I am hoping to get my college fees paid but I have no idea where I apply to do this? can anyone shed some light?

Also as I'm a mature student I am applying for BTE, on the form it says I will be asked to provide confirmation from the admissions office that I am registered as a full time student but as far as I can tell I won't be registered till september? Do I just apply and supply evidence later or am I missing something?

Sup08 · 10-07-2015 5:28pm

raze_them_all_ wrote: »

Hi just looking at somethings here and need help, I am hoping to get my college fees paid but I have no idea where I apply to do this? can anyone shed some light?

Also as I'm a mature student I am applying for BTE, on the form it says I will be asked to provide confirmation from the admissions office that I am registered as a full time student but as far as I can tell I won't be registered till september? Do I just apply and supply evidence later or am I missing something?

Apply to susi for your fees and yes, you must apply for the BTEA before the starte date of the course. The information about BTEA is on the CitizensInformation.ie website

kissmequick · 20-07-2015 5:13pm

How do Students do it?! Am considering going back to College, but how is it do-able?! I remember being in College before years ago, and most modules required a Text-book, some 2, and these were all in the region of €40-60 each :eek: I really think it would be a struggle to afford Books this time around, but I guess millions of Students manage it some way.....?!?

baron von something · 21-07-2015 6:53pm

kissmequick wrote: »

How do Students do it?! Am considering going back to College, but how is it do-able?! I remember being in College before years ago, and most modules required a Text-book, some 2, and these were all in the region of €40-60 each :eek: I really think it would be a struggle to afford Books this time around, but I guess millions of Students manage it some way.....?!?

I was thinking the exact same thing. One way is to keep borrowing the books out from the college library

kissmequick · 22-07-2015 2:23am

Hard enough to pay for everything and keep all sides running and am sure there are hidden costs too through-out the year that we'll have to come up with too, but the books are bloody expensive if memory serves me correctly! Probably even dearer now too as time goes on and there's a fair few Modules to get through! Might not even use the bloody things, some Lecturers might work solely off Slides but I'd still like to get any books that's required just to have them to refer to if needs be.

Wasn't there a "Book-Grant" to cover Materials and Books etc. at the start of every year, it was originally €500 then got reduced to €300, I'm not actually sure if it still exists but if it did it would really be so much of a big help that would take care of any / hopefully most of any books that one would need to get anyway. It would be such a great help if it was still in operation..... Don't know if it came with the Grant side-of-things or if it came with Back to Education Allowance can't recall which.....

Well I guess Students all over manage to cope with any costs involved with College so I guess it must be do-able someway!

paperclip2 · 22-07-2015 4:18pm

That was the BTEA cost of education allowance. It was €500 then €300 now its gone completely.

I got most of my masters reading list second hand on Amazon. About ten books for just under €100 including postage. It helped that the versions recommended by the lecturers in many cases were older and not the updated ones. The newer the version the more expensive it is.

kissmequick · 22-07-2015 9:23pm

Cost of Education Allowance that's what it was called. So that's gone yeah. Ah feic.

Juvia · 02-08-2015 11:06am

I'm just posting this here for anyone interested.

NUI Maynooth University Certificate in Science Level 6 Full Time 1 year duration.

The application date closing has been moved to the 14th of August.

Mature student only (you need to be 22 minimum when applying), it also falls under the BTEA scheme.

You need to be educated at Junior Certificate level (or its equivalent).

If I can post link i'll do it or ask me by PM.

XDivaX · 06-08-2015 4:44pm

Hi, anyone know if I would be able to.avail of the fund for disabled students if I do a course with Open University?

Twilightning · 07-08-2015 7:19pm

I'm still totally at a loss as to what grants/the government covers and what I'm entitled to.

I've accumulated enough days to be eligible for BTEA (I've availed of it before for a level 5 course) and I'm going to apply for it again for a level 8 through DIT, on a course I've already been accepted on. I've also applied to SUSI and I'm just waiting on the final assessment to go through after all the documentation they required was sent off.

Does SUSI cover the fees and BTEA the contribution fees?

JoeR91 · 07-08-2015 9:42pm

Twilightning wrote: »

I'm still totally at a loss as to what grants/the government covers and what I'm entitled to.

I've accumulated enough days to be eligible for BTEA (I've availed of it before for a level 5 course) and I'm going to apply for it again for a level 8 through DIT, on a course I've already been accepted on. I've also applied to SUSI and I'm just waiting on the final assessment to go through after all the documentation they required was sent off.

Does SUSI cover the fees and BTEA the contribution fees?

Yeah susi will pay either the full amount or half of student contribution charge which is €3000 and if you get BTEA that's what you live off for the year in college you can't get maintence and fees paid for from susi if your getting BTEA

Sup08 · 08-08-2015 10:24pm

JoeR91 wrote: »

if you get BTEA that's what you live off for the year in college you can't get maintence and fees paid for from susi if your getting BTEA

If you are in receipt of BTEA and qualify for a grant, Fees are covered if you are eligible and still in receipt of BTEA.

foggyn · 20-09-2017 4:07pm

hello there ,
i just want to ask your advice on this course??
i am thinking about applying for the degree in computer security and digital forensics at lyit (letterkenny I.T. )
the thing is i am 56 now and would be 60 by the time i finish
im long term unemployed so financially its not going to affect me lol
i have worked in security but not in the IT sector.just retail. store detective etc

my question is? am i too old to enter the IT security computing profession? is it too late? any advice on whether i should persue this? would my age be a disadvantage in gaining employment after the course?

will prospective employers look at my age or my qualifications as a grounds to hire me or not?
lots of questions i know, im just looking for feedback, if there is anyone out there that was in a similiar situation as myself how did you get on?
i love computers and how they work,
foggyn is online now Report Post

Ingrid7 · 09-10-2017 9:30am

foggyn wrote: »

hello there ,
i just want to ask your advice on this course??
i am thinking about applying for the degree in computer security and digital forensics at lyit (letterkenny I.T. )
the thing is i am 56 now and would be 60 by the time i finish
im long term unemployed so financially its not going to affect me lol
i have worked in security but not in the IT sector.just retail. store detective etc

my question is? am i too old to enter the IT security computing profession? is it too late? any advice on whether i should persue this? would my age be a disadvantage in gaining employment after the course?

will prospective employers look at my age or my qualifications as a grounds to hire me or not?
lots of questions i know, im just looking for feedback, if there is anyone out there that was in a similiar situation as myself how did you get on?
i love computers and how they work,
foggyn is online now Report Post

I don't think that you are too old.
I know one girl who was 50 when she graduated in LYIT and then got a job in Pramerica.

foggyn · 10-10-2017 8:07am

sounds great. was it the IT Support course she did at lyit? i hear thats perhaps a better course?

scottp68877 · 09-01-2018 8:09pm

Hi there, wondering if anyone would be able to help. So I’m looking to go back to college hopefully coming September. I’m 23 so would quialify as a Mature student. I have done two years of college but circumstances arose that forced me to drop out so no degree or anything. So wondering if there would be any available grants or schemes for me seen as I already did two years of a course. Thanks

dobbs2210 · 09-01-2018 8:29pm

scottp68877 wrote: »

Hi there, wondering if anyone would be able to help. So I’m looking to go back to college hopefully coming September. I’m 23 so would quialify as a Mature student. I have done two years of college but circumstances arose that forced me to drop out so no degree or anything. So wondering if there would be any available grants or schemes for me seen as I already did two years of a course. Thanks

I've gone back to college last September as a mature student as well. I'm in same boat as yourself in that I dropped out in 2015 and went back last September to start a new course.

Short answer in terms of grants via SUSI...NO. You will not qualify. You will have to stomp up every cent of the yearly €3000 fees.

I did qualify for Back to Education Allowance though.

scottp68877 · 09-01-2018 8:43pm

dobbs2210 wrote: »

I've gone back to college last September as a mature student as well. I'm in same boat as yourself in that I dropped out in 2015 and went back last September to start a new course.

Short answer in terms of grants via SUSI...NO. You will not qualify. You will have to stomp up every cent of the yearly €3000 fees.

I did qualify for Back to Education Allowance though.

Ah what I thought ðŸ˜… I see thanks for the answer. Just with the back to education allowance, do you need to be on a social welfare payment to receive this? Thanks

dobbs2210 · 09-01-2018 8:53pm

scottp68877 wrote: »

Ah what I thought ðŸ˜… I see thanks for the answer. Just with the back to education allowance, do you need to be on a social welfare payment to receive this? Thanks

Generally yes but not necessarily. You apply for it if going back into education. If you're receiving a social welfare payment you will transfer to the back to Education Allowance for the period you are back in college.

SUSI funded my time in college (which was 6mths) in 2015 and I applied again for SUSI in advance of starting college last September, I submitted everything but I was not given anything because I dropped out.

Best wishes with your return to Education.

I'm really enjoying it since I've returned.

GapMinder · 09-01-2018 10:20pm

roughly how much a week is the back to education allowance?

dobbs2210 · 09-01-2018 10:32pm

GapMinder wrote: »

roughly how much a week is the back to education allowance?

It's means tested so could be anything up to the maximum of €193.00 which you get paid into the bank account.

For the summer period that you're not in college you get transferred back to social welfare payment (ie: job seekers allowance).

GapMinder · 09-01-2018 10:45pm

sound thanks

Sup08 · 10-01-2018 1:13am

scottp68877 wrote: »

Hi there, wondering if anyone would be able to help. So I’m looking to go back to college hopefully coming September. I’m 23 so would quialify as a Mature student. I have done two years of college but circumstances arose that forced me to drop out so no degree or anything. So wondering if there would be any available grants or schemes for me seen as I already did two years of a course. Thanks

It depends on when you last attended the course and where you lived last October?

Second chance student can be an option if you have a 5 year gap in education since your last course.

Also, progression plays a part here as well. If you are now attending a Higher education course now having previously attended a further education course.

More information would be required about your education history with dates.

back2school · 09-04-2018 11:56am

I wonder if I could ask for some advice as I am feeling a bit stuck.
I was self employed for the last 4 years and now I am not.
All of my stamps are Class S which are useless seemingly!

I am 40 and I am going back to do a degree in college for 4 years as I have no formal eduction. I am funding the course from money I saved myself but I have no money to live off.
I have 2 small kids also ( one with additional needs).
My husband works and earns over the threshold for me to apply for any sort of benefits which is unfortunate.

I intend looking for a part time job to help support me but with 2 small kids I have no idea how possible that is.

From what I have read I don't qualify for any of the JobSeekers payments, BTEA or any other payments due to being previously self employed or my husband working.

I rang intreo and they told me I may be able to plead for jobseekers stamps with no payment and I would be lucky to get them.

If I got a friend to hire me temporarily for 3 months, would these 3 months of stamps help in any way?

Can anyone offer any advice or is there any other supports out there perhaps for people in my situation.

Kitty89 · 16-05-2018 9:32pm

Hi,
just wondering do SUSI pay for only tuition fee or student contribution? I was told that only the contribution fee would be paid, just wondering why. I had lived abroad in EU and had completed level 7 course before. Doing level 8 now.

Can someone explain how this is decided? Thanks so much:):):)

raze_them_all_ · 17-05-2018 7:04am

Kitty89 wrote: »

Hi,
just wondering do SUSI pay for only tuition fee or student contribution? I was told that only the contribution fee would be paid, just wondering why. I had lived abroad in EU and had completed level 7 course before. Doing level 8 now.

Can someone explain how this is decided? Thanks so much:):):)

They pay the 3grand iirc

Ellawr · 06-01-2019 4:05am

Hi guys, this feels like a very stupid question but I don't know anybody who went back to education as a mature student and don't keep in contact many from when I was last in college. I know this forum hasn't been active in quite a while so I don't know if this will even be seen anytime soon!

I'm worried my application is too weak. I'm 24, will be 25 this year and am desperate to return to college this year. I failed exams in 2nd year and didn't return for a few reasons, money, mental health, just very unmotivated in the course I took. I went to college "go to college" and wasted a lot of time and money. Since then (2015) I've worked 3 retail jobs, still working the third, and I've been reading books and taking online courses in plenty of different areas that interest me. I'm very interested in psychology, software development/programming, languages, and a few more to be honest. I know I'd genuinely be happy to study any of these and work in those areas, but I feel like my application is so underwhelming no matter what job I apply for. My leaving cert results were decent, I got 390, but I don't know how important they are now and how much weight they hold.

So basically, my application just has my leaving cert results and the fact I failed out of college. I haven't done any PLCs or gone to any personal interest courses, I've just bought books and watched lectures online and taken small online courses, like on Udemy. The only references I can think of are two of my employers from my jobs in retail, which wouldn't have much relevance to the courses aside from helping me grow up. I'm really just banking on my statement of interest getting across how passionate I am about returning to education, learning and working towards a career. I know I'm still young in the grand scheme but I'm just very eager to get back to education this year, I've only waited until now because it's the first year I might be eligible for the SUSI grant because I can reclassify as an independent mature student.

Sorry this ended up so long! I wanted to write as short a post as possible. My main question is what sort of courses should I be applying for? Should I just apply for courses I got enough points for in my LC? Does that even matter? Will I even get invited to interview with a weak application? If you read this, thanks so much! Any advice or suggestions would be really really amazing.

dobbs2210 · 06-01-2019 4:00pm

Ellawr wrote: »

Hi guys, this feels like a very stupid question but I don't know anybody who went back to education as a mature student and don't keep in contact many from when I was last in college. I know this forum hasn't been active in quite a while so I don't know if this will even be seen anytime soon!

I'm worried my application is too weak. I'm 24, will be 25 this year and am desperate to return to college this year. I failed exams in 2nd year and didn't return for a few reasons, money, mental health, just very unmotivated in the course I took. I went to college "go to college" and wasted a lot of time and money. Since then (2015) I've worked 3 retail jobs, still working the third, and I've been reading books and taking online courses in plenty of different areas that interest me. I'm very interested in psychology, software development/programming, languages, and a few more to be honest. I know I'd genuinely be happy to study any of these and work in those areas, but I feel like my application is so underwhelming no matter what job I apply for. My leaving cert results were decent, I got 390, but I don't know how important they are now and how much weight they hold.

So basically, my application just has my leaving cert results and the fact I failed out of college. I haven't done any PLCs or gone to any personal interest courses, I've just bought books and watched lectures online and taken small online courses, like on Udemy. The only references I can think of are two of my employers from my jobs in retail, which wouldn't have much relevance to the courses aside from helping me grow up. I'm really just banking on my statement of interest getting across how passionate I am about returning to education, learning and working towards a career. I know I'm still young in the grand scheme but I'm just very eager to get back to education this year, I've only waited until now because it's the first year I might be eligible for the SUSI grant because I can reclassify as an independent mature student.

Sorry this ended up so long! I wanted to write as short a post as possible. My main question is what sort of courses should I be applying for? Should I just apply for courses I got enough points for in my LC? Does that even matter? Will I even get invited to interview with a weak application? If you read this, thanks so much! Any advice or suggestions would be really really amazing.

Why are you so assured your application is a 'weak application'??

Your previous course didn't work out for a host of genuine reasons, so what. That has happened plenty of us myself included.

My story was almost identical to yours when after 2 years I dropped out of a level 8 degree programme. Spent a stint unemployed suffering from depression.

I didn't know what I wanted to do.

It sounds like you need a bit of clarity and focus on exactly what area you are truly passionate about. The the various areas of interest that you've listed are very very different so you probably need to focus in on one particular area.

What I did which was the best move I ever made was to do a PLC course in my area of interest which happened to be Marketing.

In the 9 month duration of the PLC course, I knew for definite that this was for me so I got my results from the PLC and got a direct place in third level in a level 8 degree programme in Marketing.

Now I'm planning to do a masters. The PLC gave me a brilliant foundation before moving onto third level. I'm now 32 years of age so you are so young.

Let me tell you from experience that all the interview panel want to see in the interview with you is an absolute and genuine passion and interest in the area your applying for. To be frank, they do not care about leaving cert results or dropping out of a previous course so DO NOT get hung up on that...!!

I just wonder have you a clear focus on a specific area of interest yet? If not, a PLC course in a particular area would clearly be of benefit.

PS: I did not do my leaving cert and at no stage did that ever count against me. You are the perfect age to go back to third level education.

Colleges absolutely love mature students as they all tend to be very hard working and focused and that tends to rub off on some of the younger students over time.

Best wishes and I hope you enjoy going back. As a 32 year old, it has changed and transformed me going back to education.

Ellawr · 08-01-2019 12:53am

dobbs2210 wrote: »

Why are you so assured your application is a 'weak application'??

Your previous course didn't work out for a host of genuine reasons, so what. That has happened plenty of us myself included.

My story was almost identical to yours when after 2 years I dropped out of a level 8 degree programme. Spent a stint unemployed suffering from depression.

I didn't know what I wanted to do.

It sounds like you need a bit of clarity and focus on exactly what area you are truly passionate about. The the various areas of interest that you've listed are very very different so you probably need to focus in on one particular area.

What I did which was the best move I ever made was to do a PLC course in my area of interest which happened to be Marketing.

In the 9 month duration of the PLC course, I knew for definite that this was for me so I got my results from the PLC and got a direct place in third level in a level 8 degree programme in Marketing.

Now I'm planning to do a masters. The PLC gave me a brilliant foundation before moving onto third level. I'm now 32 years of age so you are so young.

Let me tell you from experience that all the interview panel want to see in the interview with you is an absolute and genuine passion and interest in the area your applying for. To be frank, they do not care about leaving cert results or dropping out of a previous course so DO NOT get hung up on that...!!

I just wonder have you a clear focus on a specific area of interest yet? If not, a PLC course in a particular area would clearly be of benefit.

PS: I did not do my leaving cert and at no stage did that ever count against me. You are the perfect age to go back to third level education.

Colleges absolutely love mature students as they all tend to be very hard working and focused and that tends to rub off on some of the younger students over time.

Best wishes and I hope you enjoy going back. As a 32 year old, it has changed and transformed me going back to education.

This is such a wonderful response, thanks so much for taking the time to reply! Seeing how well you are doing after being in a similar position to me honestly makes me feel even more confident about going back. It's a shame it took me so long to actually /want/ to learn and study but I feel like a different person to when I was last in college.

You hit the nail on the head about not having one set area. I've bought psychology books from the recommended reading in psychology courses and loved that. I'm learning about programming and I'm on my second coding language, and loving that. Same with the languages, when I was learning Japanese I loved that too. I think that's the biggest problem. It's honestly psychology and software development that I'm torn between. I've just been so obsessed with going back to 3rd level this year.

My plan was to apply to courses in psychology and coding, but I realise now I probably do need to limit it down to one. I spent over an hour last night trying to get across how passionate I am about both and my experience with both but there's just not enough room, it's clearly intended for people who have one select career path. It's just very hard to do that when I am genuinely interested in both.

I just feel like the application is weak because I don't have any courses to show and it's my statement of interest alone that I'm banking on. I also have no idea what courses I can apply to, for example I obviously wouldn't get psychology in TCD so it would be a waste to apply. I can't gauge which courses I'd be more likely to get into

Maldesu · 08-01-2019 9:39am

Ellawr wrote: »

I just feel like the application is weak because I don't have any courses to show and it's my statement of interest alone that I'm banking on. I also have no idea what courses I can apply to, for example I obviously wouldn't get psychology in TCD so it would be a waste to apply. I can't gauge which courses I'd be more likely to get into

Don't worry about not having courses to show for it. My application had a list of the places I dropped out of, but I went back and did an arts undergrad and later a masters. Never did any interview.
And don't sell yourself short about TCD. If you think that is the place for you, apply for it. Don't let it's history or reputation scare you.

As mentioned, Psychology and Comp Sci are two very different fields, so I'd suggest that you go to various college sites and look at the breakdown of each option over the years.
EG This is Psychology in UCD - anything marked CORE is mandatory

This is Comp Sci.

There are other versions in UCD, such as comp sci with Data Science, or Psychology taken as part of Arts. However, if you take Psychology as part of arts, it can be difficult to move into pure Psychology at a later date.

Check out the other college websites and see if you can get something similar to the breakdown. You might start reading the descriptions and find it isn't as interesting as you might have thought.
Also, remember that year 1 is all about the basics, so if you've been studying, it may not sound all that inspiring.

dobbs2210 · 08-01-2019 11:37am

Ellawr wrote: »

This is such a wonderful response, thanks so much for taking the time to reply! Seeing how well you are doing after being in a similar position to me honestly makes me feel even more confident about going back. It's a shame it took me so long to actually /want/ to learn and study but I feel like a different person to when I was last in college.

You hit the nail on the head about not having one set area. I've bought psychology books from the recommended reading in psychology courses and loved that. I'm learning about programming and I'm on my second coding language, and loving that. Same with the languages, when I was learning Japanese I loved that too. I think that's the biggest problem. It's honestly psychology and software development that I'm torn between. I've just been so obsessed with going back to 3rd level this year.

My plan was to apply to courses in psychology and coding, but I realise now I probably do need to limit it down to one. I spent over an hour last night trying to get across how passionate I am about both and my experience with both but there's just not enough room, it's clearly intended for people who have one select career path. It's just very hard to do that when I am genuinely interested in both.

I just feel like the application is weak because I don't have any courses to show and it's my statement of interest alone that I'm banking on. I also have no idea what courses I can apply to, for example I obviously wouldn't get psychology in TCD so it would be a waste to apply. I can't gauge which courses I'd be more likely to get into

Most if not all courses in third level colleges and institutes have a set number of places allocated to mature students.

Alot of mature students apply and are granted places based not on leaving certificate results as alot of mature students (myself included) do not have a leaving certificate. Ditto previous courses completed.

As a mature student applicant, you are NOT assessed based on leaving cert or previous courses completed or not completed.

You are assessed based on your statement and interview and from previous experience and feedback from one or two interview panelists, the interview panel simply want to see:

1. A clear passion, focus and interest from the applicant for the area.

2. A clear understanding of what the course entails, lecture houses, understanding of course modules. Study this before the interview....!!

The last poster is bang on the money, do not look at TCD or UCD as colleges that you cannot attent because of past history.

Every college now has to allocate a set percentage of places on all courses for mature students.

Don't doubt yourself, establish your two key focus courses, put in a good statement, relax and show your passion and understanding for the courses at the interview and you'll be certain of a place. ðŸ‘

Seunny · 19-11-2019 4:14am

Hello
Please how can apply as Mature to TCD and UCD ?
Thanks

dobbs2210 wrote: »

Most if not all courses in third level colleges and institutes have a set number of places allocated to mature students.

Alot of mature students apply and are granted places based not on leaving certificate results as alot of mature students (myself included) do not have a leaving certificate. Ditto previous courses completed.

As a mature student applicant, you are NOT assessed based on leaving cert or previous courses completed or not completed.

You are assessed based on your statement and interview and from previous experience and feedback from one or two interview panelists, the interview panel simply want to see:

1. A clear passion, focus and interest from the applicant for the area.

2. A clear understanding of what the course entails, lecture houses, understanding of course modules. Study this before the interview....!!

The last poster is bang on the money, do not look at TCD or UCD as colleges that you cannot attent because of past history.

Every college now has to allocate a set percentage of places on all courses for mature students.

Don't doubt yourself, establish your two key focus courses, put in a good statement, relax and show your passion and understanding for the courses at the interview and you'll be certain of a place. ðŸ‘

Spanishpoint · 11-01-2021 12:31am

Very good information. Thanks for sharing it

Going back to College? Check here for Mature/Disabled/Access/Grant & Fees information

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