Group of students talking on campus outside

Financial Supports & Assistance

Main Financial Supports
Student Universal Support Fund Ireland (SUSI)

Funding available for school leavers and mature students to attend college

Information on the criteria students need to meet to be eligible for a SUSI grant

Free Fees Initiative Information on the Free Fees initiative offered by the Higher Education Authority

Part-time Education Options (PTEO)

An option to attend part-time education while on a social welfare payment

Uversity Scholarship

Uversity offer scholarships to adult learners who wish to complete a degree

Back to Education Allowance

If you are returning to education and have been getting a social welfare payment, you may qualify for the Back to Education Allowance or the student grant

If you are unemployed, parenting alone or have a disability and are getting certain payments from the Department of Social Protection (DSP), you may take part in a second-or third-level education course and get a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)

The Part-Time Education Option (PTEO) allows you to keep your Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) and attend a part-time day or evening course of education or training

Additional Needs Payment A payment to help with expenses that you cannot pay from your weekly income
1916 Bursary Fund This fund encourages students from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education to participate
Funding for Students with Disabilities The FSD allocates funding to third level colleges for the provision of services and supports to full-time students with disabilities
Department of Education Higher Education Authority (HEA) Bursaries and Scholarships A range of bursary and scholarships available for potential students to access additional financial support
Tusla Education and Training Bursary Scheme for Care Experienced Young People 2022-2024 A bursary scheme for young adults who have had a care experience of at least 6 months and are aged between 18 and 30
Student Finance Higher Education Authority (HEA) Information on financial schemes available from HEA
St Vincent de Paul (SVP) education grants Information on educational grants available from SVP
Credit Union  The Credit Union hold an annual scholarship competition for potential students
Tax Relief for Third Level Fees Information on tax relief for college fees for approved courses
National Childcare Scheme (NCS)

This scheme assists parents to meet childcare costs

The Universal Childcare Subsidy is a childcare subsidy for children in Tusla-registered childcare who are over 6 months but under 15 years

Leap Card A prepaid travel card available to students to pay their fare on public transport 

 

Financial Supports for International Protection Applicants
International Protection Students Scheme for Further and Higher Education Financial grants for students who are in the international protection system or on leave to remain
Additional Needs Payment
Payment available to students who are unable to pay essential expenses from their weekly income
Places of Sanctuary Ireland
The University of Sanctuary refers to Universities that support students who are International Protection Applicants
Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI)
Information on education funds available from MASI
Places of Sanctuary Ireland The University of Sanctuary refers to universities who support students who are International Protection Applicants
PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme 2024 The scheme is aimed specifically at people who are in Ireland because of the emergency situation in Ukraine
International Protection Student Scheme (for FE & HE students) 2024-2025 This scheme provides financial grants for students who are in the protection system or at the leave to remain (but not deportation order) stage
Irish Refugee Council Information on Education in Ireland An information guide to the Irish Education for people over the age of 18 who are seeking protection with refugee status or permission to remain
   
 Budgeting Websites
Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)
Supports people with money advice, budgeting, and problems with debt

Credit Union Budgeting

Budgeting template assists people manage their money
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) An online tool to assist you with planning a budget for college
   
Citizens Information
Citizens Information Information on public services and people’s entitlements
Student Grant Scheme The Student Grant Scheme is the main financial support scheme for students also known as Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
Grants and funds for mature students Information on grants and funds available for mature students