Q.  How do I get a higher education grant? How much is it worth?

31.07.09

The grant provides means-tested payment to eligible students on approved courses. You can download the application form from www.studentfinance.ie or get it from your local authority. The application should be submitted to your local authority by 31 August 2009. The scheme is also available to students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years’ duration in publicly funded third-level institutions in other EU member states, with certain exceptions.

Eligibility is based on income for the tax year 2008. The income limits for 2009/10 were not yet available at time of writing – see www.studentfinance.ie for updates. As an indication, the limits for a full grant, based on family size, for 2008/9 were: Fewer than 4 children: €39,760; 4-7 children: €43,680; 8 or more: €47,415. Incomes above these amounts can qualify for a smaller percentage of grant. The limits are increased by a further €4,815 where there are two family members in full-time third-level education, and a further €4,815 for each additional person.

The maintenance grant rates for 2009 are as follows: Non-adjacent rate: €3,420; adjacent rate: €1,370. The adjacent rate is paid if you normally live 24 km or less from your college. Mature students will receive the non-adjacent rate in all cases.
There are special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students: €6,690 (non-adjacent) and €2,680 (adjacent). The income limit for 2008/9 is : €20,147.
 

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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