Student finance: SUSI GRANTS, Supports & Scholarships
Depending your circumstances there are different supports and bursaries available to assist you in getting education and training in Ireland. The page below will sign post you to what is available for second level students and you basic information about each. The contents of the page include bursaries, funds, loans, scholarships and charitable supports as well as information about the SUSI grant.
Different institutions or bodies will have varying supports such as HEAR supports, creche allowances etc. We recommend reaching out to your Students’ Union, Student Budgetary Advisor or welfare advisor depending on your institution.
Currently, students in publicly funded third-level colleges do not pay tuition fees under the free fees initiative. A separate ‘student contribution charge’ which covers student services and examinations is payable to colleges instead.
The maximum rate for the student contribution charge is €3000. Other costs may be incurred for books, materials, trips as well on costs for commuting or accommodation.
For more details on student fees go to: Citizen's Information: Third Level Fees & Charges
bursaries & funds
Local credit unions tend to offer opportunities for bursaries, scholarships and other supports. Going to your local credit union and seeking information is highly recommended. Some credits unions will offer raffles and competitions for financial supports. Others for those in need.
Dublin Credit Unions for example have a total fund of over €300,000 in scholarships, bursaries and other education supports to lift the burden of the cost of third level education.
Dublin Credit Unions | Supporting Your Local Community
Who: Students from disadvantaged communities, socio-economic groups with low participation in higher level education, Irish Traveller Community, Roma Community, Student Carers, Students with Disabilities.
How: Applications are put out through participating colleges websites, this usually opens in September and closes in mid October.
Who: full time & part time students
What: books and class materials, rent and other utility bills, food, essential travel (list is non-exhaustive)
How: Through your Access/Student Services Office of your participating institution in late September.
Student with Disabilities Fund
Who: full time & part time students
What: books and class materials, rent and other utility bills, food, essential travel (list is non-exhaustive)
How: Through your Access/Student Services Office of your participating institution in late September.
LOANS
Loans can be a solution to financing your journey in further and higher education and training. These can be used to finance your fees, accommodation or whatever is needed. You will have to pay these back plus interest as well as other terms and conditions such as having a guarantor depending on your circumstance. You best options for loans are:
Credit Union Loans (this can be a local credit union or one belonging to a group of workers)
Bank Loans
SUSI- Student universal SUPPORT IRELAND
What SUSI grants are Available?
Student grants are divided into:
Maintenance grants
Fee grants
Maintenance Grants
Maintenance grants help students with their living costs and are paid directly to the student’s bank account.
Fee Grants
Fee grants pay tuition fees for students who do not qualify for the Free Fees Scheme. Fee grants can also pay the Student Contribution and the cost of essential field trips.
Student grants are available for students looking to study at PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The below table shows the type of grants available for each level.
Scholarships
Many institutions offer a wide range of scholarships, most are based on academic performance but some are based on circumstance or talent in another area.
You can find many scholarships by searching individual institutions such as UCD Ad Astra, UCC Quercus Talented Students’ Programme or WIT Scholarships
Individual charities, businesses or organisations often offer scholarships or bursaries so do your research!
More can be found via the Higher Education Authority website: Bursaries and Scholarships | Higher Education Authority (hea.ie)
Supports
Charitable Organisations often provide support to those in. Example include: Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Church of Ireland
Access Office: If you qualified for HEAR or DARE, your institution’s access office may offer some financial supports.
Students’ Unions: Your Students’ Union may offer financial supports or supports with grant applications. Some Students’ Unions may offer financial supports for like creche payments for student parents or may administer an emergency fund in some cases.
Students’ Unions in third level will be able to sign post you to the relevant supports for your circumstance and within your college.