Grants

MAKING AN APPLICATION

The maintenance grant is the main source of financial help available from the government for students in full-time 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, along with repeat students.

Family and personal income are the key factors that will be assessed when you apply for a maintenance grant in your local county council or VEC, but there are also some other conditions.

The Students' Union is a good starting point if you are unclear in how to apply for the financial support and you should drop into my office in The Student Centre as I can help you in your application.

If you think you are eligible for the maintenance grant, you should apply for it as soon as possible after the application process opens, usually in June of each year. Even if you did not receive one for your first year of university, you should apply before second year begins as you might be eligible.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications for the 2011/2012 academic year is 31st August although closing dates can be extended but this is at council council or VEC discretion. Only applications that are fully completed will be accepted and assessed by the grant awarding body.

It is important to note that the grant application for 2011 is undergoing changes, which will include a shorter form that will be available online, with less required paperwork.

Below is a table regarding the different levels of support a grant can give depending on your income, family situation and how many children are in the family.

Please note that these levels are from 2009/2010, and may be subject to change for the 2011/2012 academic year. your local authority will have have the most up-to-date information.

STUDENT CONTRIBUTION FEE

If you qualify for a maintenance grant at any of the five levels, you also have your Student Contribution Fee paid or refunded back to you. So it's important to remember that qualifying for a maintenance grant saves you a huge amount of money. All you have to do is present the letter from the county council telling you that you have been awarded a grant and inform the University of your situation.

The website www.studentfinance.ie has lots of information on the maintenance grant and how to apply. Make sure you log on and check it out.

If you need any help with it, make sure you call down to my office G19 in The Student Centre!

If you need a hand straight away make sure to pop me an email to education@ucdsu.ie and I will get back to you as fast as I can!