Higher Education Grants 2010 - Postgraduate Study

Q. Who can apply for a Higher Education Grant (H.E.G.)?

Listed below are the categories of students who can apply for a H.E.G.

• Candidate Dependent on Parent(s) or Legal Guardian: - If you were under 23 years of age on 1st January 2010, your student grant application will be assessed based on your parents' or legal guardian's income and your own income. You will need to send us evidence of legal guardianship.
• Mature Candidate Dependent on Parent(s) or Legal Guardian: - You can only be assessed as a mature candidate if you are at least 23 years of age on the 1st of January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course.
• Independent Mature Candidate: - If you were 23 years of age or older on the 1st of January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course but were not ordinarily resident with your parent(s) or legal guardian from the 1st October of the year prior to entry or re-entry to an approved course, your application will be assessed based on your own income. Your parents' or legal guardian's income is not taken into consideration. You will need to send us documentary evidence as proof of living independently from your parent(s) or legal guardian during the relevant period. If you are an independent mature candidate and are married or co-habiting, your application will be assessed based on your spouse's or partner's income and your own income.
• IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Any student re-entering College/University in 2010/2011 and wishes to be classed as an 'Independent Mature Candidate' must have a break of at least three years, having previously been a candidate dependent on parents or legal guardian.

Q. What courses are covered?

• Full time Courses
• Minimum duration one year
• Maximum funding for four years
• Courses leading to the award of Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma, Master, Doctorate*
• Courses in Ireland, including Northern Ireland

* PLEASE NOTE that for the purposes of funding all courses pursued must represent a progression from courses already pursued, i.e., must be of higher academic level, e.g., Higher Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate – Masters – PhD/Doctorate.


Q. What Institutions are Approved?

Normally all of the publicly assisted institutions in Ireland, including Northern Ireland with the exception of private institutions.

Q. What criteria must I fulfill in order to qualify for a H.E.G.

• Age - At least 17 years of age on 1st January 2011.
• Residence - All candidates must prove residency in the Country for 3 out of the last 5 years. In the case of 'Independent Mature Candidates', this proof of residency must include; proof of independent residency since October 2009 (it is strongly advisable to consult the Department of Education Notes on this matter). 

Q. What does the H.E.G. consist of?

The Higher Education Grant (H.E.G.) consists of a maintenance grant and the payment of tuition fees.


Q. Does each student receive the same maintenance grant award?

The value of the maintenance grant can vary from quarter, half, three quarters maintenance to full maintenance depending on candidate's/parents' income.


Q. Do I have to pay Tuition Fees?

If you qualify for full fees (i.e. parental income/your income is within the determined income limits), this Council can pay tuition fees subject to a maximum limit. The maximum limit in the forthcoming academic year is €6,270.00.

Please note that students pursuing approved courses in Northern Ireland may have to pay something towards tuition fees, because of the difference in the exchange rate. Normally the maximum fee limit will cover the full cost of tuition fees payable in the Republic of Ireland.

Students pursuing the Professional Practice Course 1 at the Law Society of Ireland are only eligible to have 2/3 of the maximum fee limit paid on commencement of the professional course. Students pursuing the Professional Practice Course 2, are eligible to have 1/3 of the maximum fee limit paid in respect of tuition fees.

N.B Students studying the Integrated PgDip/MA Programmes at the University of Ulster may be eligible to have fees paid for both the Diploma and Masters element of their course, provided that the students receive only one postgraduate award and are not exceeding the normal duration of a Masters Programme (4 Years). Confirmation in writing from the relevant Institution, to confirm that the student will receive only one postgraduate award, is required in all such cases, before grant aid can be considered for the Masters element of the course.

Q. What are the relevant income limits?

The relevant income limits for the 2010/2011 academic year are as follows: 

**Full Student Service Charge is paid where income is at or below this level.       

               
* In the 2010/2011 academic year where 2 or more children (or the candidate's parent) are pursuing a course of study listed below, the reckonable income limits for Full Maintenance (100%) and Full Fees and the Part Tuition Fee (50%) only categories may be increased by   €4,980 where there are 2 such children, €9,960 where there are 3 such children and so on, by increments of €4,980.

For the Part Maintenance and Full Fees at 75%, 50% and 25%, the reckonable income limits may be increased by €4815 where there are 2 such children, €9,630 where there are 3 such children and so on, by increments of €4,815.

(i) attending full-time third level education
(ii) attending a recognised PLC course, student nurse training or student Garda training
(iii) participating in a CERT course of at least one years duration
(iv) attending a full time Teagasc course in an agricultural college
(v) attending a recognised full-time further education course, of at least one year’s duration, in Northern Ireland

Q. What is the value of the maintenance grant?

The value of the H.E.G. in the 2010/2011academic year is as follows:

Q. How will I know if I have been awarded a grant?

When all information has been received in relation to your application, a decision will be made on your eligibility for a grant - normally in September/October. Delays arise when all information has not been submitted.

Q. Who can I contact if I require further information?

If you require further information or help when completing the application form, you may contact this office (County Secretary's Office) at telephone no: (074) 91 72222 or direct lines: (074) 91 72210 or (074) 91 72209

Telephone queries: - Tuesday & Wednesday only, between 9.00am-12.30pm

PERSONAL MEETINGS ARE STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY AND CAN BE ARRANGED BY CONTACTING THE ABOVE TELEPHONE NUMBERS.

Application Forms should be returned to: