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Academic & Financial Support

Find out more information on Academic & Financial Supports available.

At TU Dublin we provide as much support as possible to enhance the third level learning experience for all our students. Additional supports that students find particularly beneficial are provided via the Mathematics Learning Centre (MLC) and the Academic Writing & Learning Centre (AWLC).

The following supports are available free of charge.

Mathematics Learning Centre

  • Struggling with maths?
  • Getting along OK but know that you can do better?

Attend the Mathematics Learning Centre!

How can they help you?

They have a team of dedicated tutors who provide free, impartial and non-judgemental support to students of all mathematical abilities. No appointment is necessary, just drop in to one of their centres with your notes, and one of their tutors will help you, on a one-to-one basis, in any area of maths you find difficult.

This is a free service available to all undergraduate students from any programme in TU Dublin. Students can attend as many times as they wish.

Contact details

Email them at: mlsc@tudublin.ie

Academic Writing & Learning Centre

The Academic Writing & Learning Centre (AWLC) at TU Dublin provides a free and friendly support to students from all disciplines (Arts & Humanities, Business, STEM).

They understand that completing an academic writing assignment is a process that requires time and commitment. The AWLC tutors aim to support and guide you through this process, from start to completion. Their approach to supporting students is collaborative and non-prescriptive and it will help you develop your competence as a writer in an academic setting.

At the AWLC, the team help you develop as an independent, confident writer in an academic setting. They offer a range of supports such as pre-booked one-to-one appointments, they also offer thematic workshops on aspects of academic writing.

At one-to-one appointments, you will have the unique opportunity to discuss your specific writing concern with a tutor. All AWLC activities are currently online.

The AWLC also provide online resources to help develop your academic writing and study skills.

Contact Details

Email: academicwritingcentre@tudublin.ie

Study Skills Workshops

Study Skills Workshops are designed to improve your learning skills and help you achieve your academic goals. Please check back for details of workshops throughout the academic year.

Grinds Support

If the above two Centres cannot offer you the academic assistance you need, you can submit a request for free grinds from a Tutor employed by Access Support. The Grinds request form will be available from October each year and will be posted on this page and sent to all Access Students via email. Please see strict guideline regarding grinds support below;

  • Please note these grinds are only for students registered with the Access Support
  • Complete one grinds form for each subject you are seeking assistance with
  • We do not offer grinds in Maths during term time as the Maths Learning centre is available to support you
  • Please note that we cannot guarantee Tutors are available in all subjects you request
  • If a Tutor is available in a subject you request, this Tutor will contact you directly via email to arrange weekly group times to meet
  • You are expected to attend the grinds sessions you request once a week at the day and time you agree with your Tutor
  • Maximum of 8 hours per subject are available to each Access Student
  • Please note that these weekly grinds sessions are NOT an additional lecture, but rather an opportunity for you to bring lecture notes, ask questions and interact with tutors to help you better understand your modules
  • You must sign in at each session.

Computer Learning Centre

If you are a TU Dublin student studying in the early years of a Computing programme, or taking a Computing module, or using some aspect of Computing in one of your modules (regardless of your campus or programme), the Computing Learning Centre is here to support you.

We offer the following services to all students:

  • One-to-one sessions and group sessions with a tutor who will help you if you need assistance with some aspect of Computing.
  • Competitions and challenges for students who are looking to take their Computing skills to the next level.
  • Advice and support for anyone struggling with Computing.

For more information visit the website here

1916 Bursary Fund

The 1916 Bursary is a financial award to encourage the participation and success of students from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education.

The 1916 Bursary is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and aims to encourage participation and success by students who are most socio-economically disadvantaged and from groups most under-represented in higher education.

Please see link here for more information - 1916 Bursary Fund

The 1916 Bursary is closed for applications for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Student Assistance Funds (SAF)

Access Students can apply for either the Access SAF or the General SAF or the Rent Assistance scheme.

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides, where possible, limited support to whole-time TU Dublin students in severe financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances or students who are disadvantaged and require additional financial support to continue their third-level studies.

Students not entitled to a SUSI grant may apply for the Student Assistance Fund where a higher parental income criterion applies.

For more information on Financial Supports available for the Campus you are attending here.

Information on Financial Wellbeing 

Access Student Assistance Fund 2024/25

The Access SAF helps support you financially as the college year begins. It is administered on a first come first served basis, we strongly encourage you to submit your application as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The Access SAF opens for applications for the 2024/25 academic year the week beginning September 2024 for all Access students.

Please note you must be a registered Access student to apply, additionally you must complete the application form using your TU Dublin student email account.

You will receive an email from the Access Service to alert you when the Access SAF opens, the email includes a link to the application form and information on how to complete the form. Follow the directions carefully to ensure that your application is processed as efficiently as possible. Ensure all questions within the form are answered accurately and supporting documents are submitted as requested.

Access Student Assistance Fund 2024/25 has now closed. 

Students who have not been successful in their application are encouraged to apply for General Student Assistance Fund as listed above.  Please note this fund does not open until mid-October as is manage by the financial aid team Financial Aid - TU Dublin

Processing of applications can take up to 4/6 weeks and longer if applications are not completed properly.

Financial Concerns

Managing your finances can be challenging, our Financial Wellbeing page offers practical tools and guidance to help you stay on top of your budget. Visit the Financial Wellbeing page for more information.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please speak to your Access Support Officer - access.supports@tudublin.ie 

External Financial Supports

Student Grants - Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)

The majority of students registered with Access Support will be eligible for a SUSI Grant.

You MUST apply for a grant as soon as possible as it will cover the cost of your Student Contribution Charge.

New students / first time SUSI applicants:

Please click here to apply for the SUSI grant

Amounts of the SUSI grants vary, but many students will be eligible to full maintenance. In addition, some students will be eligible for a special top-up grant. Please check www.studentfinance.ie for more information.

SUSI Application / Renewal

You must renew your application for each year of your course. For example, if you held a grant from SUSI in 2023/24 and are continuing your studies on the same course in the 2024/25 academic year, SUSI will be in contact with you by email to advise you to renew your grant application.

Please click here for more information on how to renew your SUSI grant.

Additional Financial Support

Other scholarships are available to some Access Students and details of these can be found on www.studentfinance.ieOther Bursaries and Scholarships.

The Student Contribution Charge is a charge that applies to anyone who enrols on a full-time undergraduate course in TU Dublin, and most other colleges. It covers the costs of providing a wide range of student and administration services to you as a student. The Student Contribution Charge is charged for each year that you are registered as a full-time undergraduate student.

Students enrolling in first year receive a bill for this charge following their acceptance of a course offer. You may be required to pay either:

(a) none of it(if in receipt of SUSI Grant),

(b) part of it or

(c) all of it.

Your household or family financial income is assessed or 'means tested' to determine if you qualify for SUSI Grant. If you do not apply for a SUSI grant, then you may be liable for the full cost of the Student Contribution Charge yourself.

SUSI Grant

The majority of students registered with Access Support will be eligible for a SUSI Grant.

You MUST apply for a grant as soon as possible as it will cover the cost of your Student Contribution Charge. You can apply for the grant via www.studentfinance.ie.

SUSI will not cover the cost of a repeat year, whether in the same course or a new one.