Refugee Week 2024: IPAS Recipient Case Study
The below case study recounts the experience of one International Protection Applicants Scholarship (IPAS) recipient.
“I went through the CAO process. Some universities offered me a place but when it came to fees I couldn’t accept the place. The International non-EU fees are a barrier for anyone who is in my situation. I also discovered that I didn’t qualify for SUSI grant due to my asylum seeker status. I went online searching for a solution to my financial situation so I could have my dream of going to university come true, but I couldn’t find any. I went on TU Dublin website to see if there were any scholarships for people in my situation. I found the scholarship listed. I was delighted. I applied and got a response very quickly asking me to provide documentary support evidence from IPAS. Within a week they replied accepting the documents I had supplied as adequate. Shortly I received the long-awaited answer to my prayers, which was an offer to pay my fees. The scholarship also provides money for food, travel, school items and the ability to participate in the gym. I have just completed my first year studying for a Computer Science degree. A big obstacle for asylum seekers and refugees is that fees are different for non-EU and majority of asylum seekers and refugees are not from EU countries.
I feel that I can relax now and focus on my studies. I will work for and give to the best of my ability to Ireland. I even donate a small amount to a Children’s charity because when you have gone through what I have, you understand the need to help others who are worse off than you.
If you are in the similar situation, to the one I was in I was last year, I would say, “Do your application.” The process is not so difficult in TU Dublin compared to other universities, in fact it’s the best.”