Student Financial Supports:
https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/
This website is a convenient and user-friendly source of information about the financial assistance schemes available in Ireland to help you progress through further and higher education. Information is also provided in relation to eligibility requirements for free fees.
In addition, you will find all you need to know about other sources of assistance for students, such as the Fund for Students with Disabilities, the Student Assistance Fund, the 1916 Bursary Fund and the Back to Education Allowance.
They also provide details and links to a range of other organisations and websites which may be of assistance.
Education and Training Boards (ETBs)
ETBs are statutory authorities which have responsibility for education and training, youth work and a range of other statutory functions. ETBs manage and operate second-level schools, further education colleges, multi-faith community national schools and a range of adult and further education centres delivering education and training programmes. Occasionally, local community groups can apply for Community Education Funding for offer education programmes in your area. Contact your local Community Education Office. Click here to find your local ETB.
Check out the following link from Kerry ETB: https://www.kerryetb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/FundingforAdultEducation3rdSeptember2018.pdf
Student Assistance Fund
The Student Assistance Fund is a means tested fund and is intended to assist full time students who are finding it difficult to meet college expenses as a result of ongoing low income. The Fund provides financial support to students who are in significant financial difficulty and whose participation in college would be at risk without financial support. The purpose of the Fund is to assist by making a contribution to students in meeting some of the day-to-day costs incurred by being in college.
Uversity
Uversity’s Scholarships are intended to unlock adult learners’ potential. By providing multi-annual financial support, Uversity’s Scholarships aim to remove the financial barriers to pursue a Bachelor’s degree for the first time. Scholarships are not limited to specific subject areas and enable individuals 23 years or older to complete a Bachelor’s degree in one of the participating institutions https://www.uversity.org/where-to-study/ in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
The 1916 Bursary Fund
The 1916 Bursary aims to encourage participation by students who are most socio-economically disadvantaged and from groups most under-represented in Higher Education. To be eligible for a 1916 Bursary, all applicants must meet, Financial, Priority Group and College Entry eligibility criteria. All of the higher education institutions are awarding the bursaries through regional clusters.
Click here for general information on the 1916 Bursary Fund
How to Apply?
To find out more about the 1916 Bursary Fund and how to apply, click here.
All students are advised to first refer to the information provided on the SAOR Project website regarding the application process and eligibility criteria.
If you have further queries, please email 1916BursaryQueries@soarforaccess.ie.
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection offer a range of supports for people who are in receipt of social welfare income supports to gain new skills through training or education e.g. Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), Training Support Grant and a Mediation Fund.
All applications or referrals for support under the schemes must be made via a Case Officer.
To check eligibility please contact your Case officer in your local Intreo Office.
Find your local Intreo Office here or call 1890 800 024.
St Vincent de Paul – Education and Training Bursary Fund
The SVP Education and Training Bursary Fund has been established to support students of all ages who may financially struggle to access or stay in third level education and training programmes. St Vincent de Paul have an Education Fund that people can apply to locally. Click here to find out more information on the Fund.
SICAP Funding through your Local Development Company
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 is funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded by the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020. The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) helps people to find work, to upskill, provides CV training, a personal development course, helps them onto a work placement programme such as CE or Tύs programme. You may be able to seek support to get back to education by contacting your local development company who administer SICAP programmes nationally. Click here to find your local SICAP Provider and ask to speak to the SICAP coordinator.
The Irish Refugee Council
The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) Education Fund was established in 2015 with support from the Community Foundation for Ireland to financially assist people in the asylum process in accessing further and higher education. Since 2016 the Education Fund has continued due to donations from private individuals and a small number of companies. The Irish Refugee Council have also compiled a ‘Guide to Education in Ireland: A guide for protection applicants, those with refugee status, subsidiary protection or permission to remain’.
You can download the “Guide to Education in Ireland” here www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie/education.
For further information email education@irishrefugeecouncil.ie.
Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces
Local and regional drug and alcohol task forces implement the national drugs strategy in the context of the needs of their local area. Your local Task Force may have funding available for support you in Education. Contact your local Coordinator to find out more. To find the Drug and Alcohol Task force in your area click here.
Credit Unions
Many Credit Unions in Ireland provide a number of education grants or bursaries in their catchment areas for students studying at all levels of further and higher education. The “It makes sense” Loan – This scheme, which is offered as a low-cost alternative loan, is being made available in participating credit unions across the country and is open to those in receipt of social welfare who are over 18 years of age. Click here for information about “It makes sense” loans and click here to go the national credit union site, where you can find details of your local credit union.
Fund for Students with Disabilities
The purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is to assist higher education institutions in ensuring students with disabilities have the necessary assistance and equipment to enable them access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study.
Other Bursary & Scholarship Schemes
Did you know that there is a broad range of bursary and scholarship schemes in operation which provide an opportunity for students, or potential students, to access additional financial support if they meet the criteria? Please note that the list below does not contain every scheme currently available in Ireland.
In addition, many higher education institutions offer their own scholarship or bursary schemes. Interested students should contact the college they are attending or planning to attend. Access the information with the following link: