Financial Supports 

Student Financial Support

The range of schemes and measures available to assist student in Further Education Colleges inludes the:

If you are currently unemployed, you may be entitled to significant financial support that allows you to continue your education:

  • Training Allowance: You may be eligible for a training allowance while attending the course.
  • Social Protection Retention: You may be entitled to retain your social welfare allowance while attending a full-time course through  the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). For more information visit https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/back-to-education/ 

Learners in receipt of a Social Protection Payment should always check with your local Social Protection or Intreo office to ensure you are eligible to retain your payment while on a course. 

SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland)

Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students in approved full-time courses in Further Education. All types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education can apply for funding.

You can find more information about your eligibility and how to apply here https://www.susi.ie/

BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE

The Back to Education Allowance is an educational opportunities scheme for unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities.

The allowance is payable to successful participants who wish to pursue approved second or third level courses of study. BTEA is not an unemployment payment. Participants receive a standard rate of payment which is not means tested.

Further information is available on the Department of Social Protection’s website www.welfare.ie or contact your local Department of Social Protection office for further details.

Other Funding

Student finance.ie provides comprehensive and user-friendly information on the range of financial support schemes and programmes available to full-time further and higher education students.