Applying for financial help

To apply for financial help, other than Support Funds, you should contact your local Education and Library Board (ELB) as soon as possible after applying for your course. Don't wait until you have a firm offer of a place. They will tell you what you have to do to get help in time for the start of your course.

If you need Support Funds when you begin your course, you should apply to your University/ College. Further information on Support Funds is available in our booklet Higher Education Support Funds 2008/09

If you are considering a student loan then visit www.studentfinanceni.co.uk external link which helps to give advice to students and their families on the financial support available to them. The site also has the facility for students to apply for their financial support on-line and gives advice on new student support arrangements, which come into effect in September 2008.

If you are planning to study at a publicly funded university / college in the Republic of Ireland you will not be required to pay tuition fees.

However, the college will make an additional charge of €900 for registration, examination fees and student services which will be paid for you by your ELB. You, therefore, need to apply to your ELB so that this charge will be paid even if you do not intend to apply for financial help towards your living costs.

Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs) are available to help with the extra costs you may have as a result of your disability. Our booklet Financial support for Higher Education Students 2008/09 external link and the Department for Education and Skills booklet Bridging the Gap 2008 external link provides more information. For copies of Bridging the Gap booklet, telephone DIUS Information line on 0800 731 9133.

More detailed information on financial support for full-time or part-time study is available in our booklets Financial Support for Higher Education Students 2008/2009 external link and Financial Support for Part-Time Students 2008/2009 external link