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The information on the following page has been taken from www.citizensinformation.ie and www.studentfinance.ie
PLEASE NOTE: In reality, it is very difficult to be awarded money unless you are well organised. Make sure you include all receipts, bank statements and any evidence of your financial situation in your application. All this information helps and even though it may seem like alot at the time, the more effort you put in, the more you'll get out of it!
Fund for Students with Disabilities Financial Supports for Mature Students Schemes to help with Fees and Matinence Other Finance: Bursaries & Scholarships
Mary Immaculate College – Support Services The Access/Disability Officer is Maura Moore and she is based in Student Services. Her contact details are: Tel: 061 204927/204510 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Click here to find out more about the services provided by the Access/Disability Officer Student Parent Co-Ordinator is Nicola Hurley and she is based in G33b which is down the corridor from An Siopa. Her email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Click here to find out more about the services provided by the Student Parent Co-Ordinator Post-Grad Funding for more information on Post-Graduate Funding please contact Postgraduate Office. Tel: 061 204556/204348 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Click here for information on Postgraduate Funding available from Mary Immaculate College Grants Office The grants office is based in Student Services. Contacts are as follows: Tel: 061-204909 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Click here for more information on the MIC Grants Office
The maintenance grant is the main source of financial help available from the Irish State for students in full-time Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLCs) and full-time higher education undergraduate/postgraduate courses. Support is available to eligible students in most colleges in Ireland as well as eligible Irish students in many colleges in Northern Ireland, the UK and other EU States. For eligible students, the maintenance grant is there to help with the various costs of participating in further or higher education. Students on part-time courses, access or foundation courses (in higher education institutions) and short courses are not eligible to apply for a maintenance grant.
The Student Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for full-time higher education students who are experiencing financial difficulties whilst attending college. Students can apply for Student Assistance to help them with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. Applications for funding should be made by the individual student to the access/disability officer in their institution. The Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
Fund for Students with Disabilities The Fund for Students with Disabilities allocates funding to further and higher education colleges for the provision of services and supports to full-time students with disabilities. The Fund aims to ensure that students can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability. Eligible students can receive assistance from the Fund from PLC level right up to doctoral level. You do not have to be in first year of a course to be eligible to apply for the Fund, closing dates apply each year. Application for the first time can be made during any year of study on an approved course at further or higher education level. Applications to the Fund are made on behalf of an eligible student by their college following an assessment of need. Applications cannot be made directly to the Fund by students. Colleges are also responsible for the management of the funding approved for eligible students. Financial Supports for Mature Students If you wish to enter or return to third-level education and you are over 23 years of age Irish colleges and universities have places on their courses for mature students. You will have to consider the costs of fees and maintenance depending on whether you are going to do a full-time or a part-time course. If you are leaving work to study full-time you may be eligible for a third-level maintenance grant. If you do not qualify for a maintenance grant and you are doing a full-time undergraduate course you may be eligible for free fees(If you are applying for an undergraduate course you are not eligible for a maintenance grant or free fees if you have already completed an undergraduate course.) If you are applying for a postgraduate course you will have to pay fees unless you get a maintenance grant. You will also have to pay fees if you are intending to study part-time or do a distance learning course. If you do have to pay fees you may be able to get tax relief at the standard rate. The website studentfinance.ie has detailed information on the range of grants and funds for students in further and higher education.
Schemes to help with fees and maintenance If you satisfy certain criteria and attend courses approved by the Department of Education and Science, you can get help with fees and maintenance throughout the period of your studies. The main schemes that apply to mature students (generally persons over 23 years of age) are:
Higher Education Grants Scheme: Postgraduate students are entitled to Higher Education (“county/city council”) grants just the same as undergraduate students. The income limits and maintenance grant rates are the same, but there are some rules regarding payment of fees. Local County Councils will only pay a maximum of €5,028 in course fees (after the registration fee), so if your fees are over that limit you must pay out of your own pocket. They will also only pay for four years of Post-Grad fees in total. This includes combinations of H.Dip. Masters, Ph.D. The Post-Grad course must be a progression of your previous studies, and not be of the same level. This means you can’t get a grant for a Ph.D. and then look to get a grant for a Masters, whereas you can first receive a grant while in a Masters Course, and then a grant while you are studying for your Ph.D. See also section on Higher Education grants.
Irish Funding Agencies: There are a number of Irish funding agencies which support the education base in Ireland, and fund many postgraduate students in their studies, particularly in research-based activities. Below are the main agencies, but for particular agencies relevant to your studies please contact your faculty office.
Other Finance: Bursaries & Scholarships Did you know that there is a broad range of bursary or scholarship schemes in operation which provide an opportunity for students or potential students to access additional financial support if they meet the criteria? Schemes are available which are specifically targeted at students with limited means, students with disabilities and students from minority ethnic groups. In the main, bursary or scholarship schemes are focussed on higher rather than further education; however there are a number of exceptions. www.studentfinance.ie has compiled details of schemes currently in operation. The list featured on studentfinance.ie does not contain every scheme available in Ireland.
This covers only the tuition aspect of fees. It does not cover registration or exam fees. Undergraduate courses must:
Postgraduate courses must:
Also, the person taking the course must already have a primary degree or equivalent qualification. Tax relief is available at the standard rate of income tax for recognised courses up to a maximum of €5000. If another individual pays qualifying fees for a course you are undertaking, they can claim tax relief on them. Contact your local tax office or www.revenue.ie
Allied Irish Bank Student accounts are for full-time students only. Loans for educations purposes would be personal loans at standard rates. Bank of Ireland Student accounts are for full-time students only. Loans for educations purposes would be personal loans at standard rates. Credit Unions Some credit unions give grants / bursaries to support members undertaking education. They may also give loans at preferential rates for educational purposes. This is not a national scheme and varies from credit union to credit union. Contact your local credit union. National Irish Bank There are no accounts specifically tailored towards students. Loans for educations purposes would be personal loans at standard rates. Ulster Bank Part-time students are eligible for student / graduate accounts (which have more favourable conditions than standard accounts). Loans to undergraduates for educational purposes do not qualify for any concessions. However, loans to graduates for educational purposes may be given at preferential rates.
Note: Student Card & proof of identity are required to open accounts!
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