Q.  I’m 18 and hope to go to college in the autumn. What do I do about a grant as my parents are both unemployed and can’t afford to help me financially?

29.05.11

You may apply for a means-tested maintenance grant for an approved full-time third level course or a Post Leaving Certificate or a course leading to a Higher Certificate or Ordinary Bachelor degree in an IT college. The grant is paid in instalments throughout the academic year. If you have qualified for a grant, you will not have to pay tuition fees or the student charges. Depending on your family’s income, you may qualify for a full grant or a partial grant.

There are two different grant rates – adjacent and non-adjacent. You must live 45 km or more away from college to qualify for the non-adjacent rate. There is also a special extra grant for disadvantaged students which tops up the ordinary grant.

You should apply for a maintenance grant as soon as the application process is open. Do not wait until you get an offer of a place or enrol in college. Grants are currently administered by VECs and local authorities. Guidance notes published with the application form will give details of where and how you should apply.

You can read more about maintenance grants by visiting www.studentfinance.ie . This site will also give you information on other forms of student support such as scholarships. Your parents can continue to get an increase for a qualified child with their social welfare claim and this will last until you are 22 if you stay in full-time education and your parents remain on long-term payment.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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