By Niamh Dwyer, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors

The financial burden on students and adults who are planning to or are already attending college is a huge source of stress in many households.

While the investment in education provides long term benefits, in the short and medium term the financial pressure can be felt by parents, guardians, partners and families. The cost of fees, accommodation, living expenses, and travel are substantial, so it is important to check out the various financial supports that are available to those embarking on college courses at any age and stage.

Grants

SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students in approved full-time third-level education in Ireland and also, in some cases, funding for students studying outside of Ireland. Support is available to all types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education. The priority date for new applicants to SUSI is tomorrow (July 8) and while you can still apply for funding after these dates, students who submit their application by this date will receive priority processing in autumn. All details and guides to filling out the application can be found on www.susi.ie.

Back to Education Allowance

The BTEA is a scheme for unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities who are getting certain payments from the Department of Social Protection. The allowance can be paid to people who wish to pursue approved second or third level courses of education. BTEA is not an unemployment payment and is paid instead of the Social Welfare Payment. For details see www.gov.ie/en/service/418e3f-back-to-education-allowance/.

Scholarships and Bursaries

There are numerous scholarships and bursaries available to support students. The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will have details of those that are offered through the college themselves, some of which are based on academic performance but many others across areas such as sport, the arts, entrepreneurship, volunteerism etc. There are also bursaries offered by industry partners, companies and organisations that are specific to an area of study, for example engineering, pharmacy, and STEM. Deadlines for applications and eligibility criteria vary so consult the relevant college websites for details.
The 1916 Bursary Fund is provided to students coming from an economically disadvantaged background. Further information on the application process is available from the website or Access office of the institution in which you intend to study.

Fund for Students with Disabilities

The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is available through Access offices in the colleges to ensure students with disabilities have the necessary assistance and equipment to enable them to access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study.

Student Assistance Fund

The Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to full or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties by contacting the Student Services Office in the college. A range of other bursaries and scholarships are also available from the Department of Education and Skills including the All-Ireland Scholarships and the Third Level Bursary Scheme as well as other organisations. All details can be found on www.hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/other-finance-bursaries-scholarships/.

Financial Institutions

Many credit unions offer education loans to members, either for the support of members themselves or for a son or daughter. Banks often provide personal loans or overdrafts to students at preferential rates. 

At Killarney Credit Union, education loan packages are available to members all year around to cater for the needs of members applying for further or higher education and postgraduate studies. Student bursaries to the value of €4,000 are offered to members annually. 

Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors and Careers Advisor at www.mycareerplan.ie She can be contacted on info@mycareerplan.ie or via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook on @mycareerplan1.