Uni & College funding

Funding options to see you through third level education.

Before starting college ask the student welfare office or accommodation office about the cost of living in the area you’re moving to.
Talk to your parents and your bank or credit union about the best option for you to finance your time at college.
Think of EVERYTHING you’ll have to pay for: rent, food, travel, bills, toiletries, tuition fees, books, clothing, photocopying, phone bills, bank fines and partying. Work out how much you are likely to spend every month, so that you know how much money you will need to survive on.
Plan for the entire year ahead. You really don’t want to be worrying about money when you are in the middle of your exams. Find out how to make a budget here.
If you go to college or uni in Ireland, have EU nationality or official refugee status, and have been living in the EU for at least three years out of the past five, then you shouldn’t have to pay a tuition fee for full-time courses of at least two years. However, you will have to pay an annual student contribution (this student contribution fee will be increased by €250 from 2012 onwards) and fees particular to your own university. The maximum a university is allowed to charge you for your annual student contribution is €2000.
If you are repeating a year or it’s your second time taking an undergraduate course, then your fees won’t be paid.
If you repeat a year because of illness, then you might not have to pay fees. You will need to verify your illness through medical certificates from a doctor.
If you live in Ireland but plan to study in Northern Ireland or Britain, remember that you won’t be eligible for a UK student loan, supplementary grants, hardship loads or access funds. You may be able to apply for the Irish maintenance grant.
You can find lots of useful information at www.itsyourmoney.ie.

Work:

Many students get thorough uni by saving from a summer job and working part-time during the year. Recent reports show that about half of Irish students work part-time.

If you need to work part-time to support yourself, try to do it only at weekends. If you work during the week you can end up too tired for lectures or without enough time to study (or party!).

Student Assistance Fund (Ireland):

If you're having financial problems you can ask the college or Uni for help. The Student Assistance Fund is funded by the government and administered by the Access Officer, Chaplain, Finance Officer or Student Services.

Education Maintenance Allowance (Northern Ireland):

If you are 16 or over and financial problems are preventing you from studying, then apply for the government's Education Maintenance Allowance. This isn't going to make you feel rich but can help towards basic day-to-day costs.

You can get up to £30 a week for full-time education after GCSEs. This includes studying for Basic Skills, GCSE resits, NVQs, GNVQs, A Levels and A/S Levels. The allowance is means tested so normally depends on how much your parents earn or your own income if you are independent.

Scholarships:

There are various scholarships out there that students can apply for. Ask your careers teacher or careers office for information about them.

See the help section for contact details of support organisations.