Higher Education Grants 2011/2012 - Undergraduate 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 2011,  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. 

Q. What courses are covered?

• Full time Courses
• Minimum duration two years
• Courses leading to the award of HND, Certificate, Diploma and Degree
• Courses in Ireland, including Northern Ireland
• Courses in E.U. Member States

Q. What Institutions are Approved?

Normally all the institutions listed in the C.A.O. handbook and the U.C.A.S. handbook are approved institutions 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 2012.
• 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 2010 (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 student registration fee/tuition fees in certain cases.

Please note that the student registration/tuition fees are not paid in respect of attendance at colleges in Northern Ireland or the UK.


Q. Does each student receive the same maintenance grant?

The value of the maintenance grant can vary from quarter, half and three quarter maintenance to full maintenance depending on candidate's/parents' income. Students, other than mature students, who are residing within 45 km of the institution they hope to attend, will receive a reduced maintenance award.


Q. Do I have to pay Tuition Fees?

• Republic of Ireland
  Students pursuing approved undergraduate courses of study at institutions in the Republic of Ireland do not have to pay tuition fees, with the exception of the Royal College of Surgeons and Montessori College, where fees are still payable. If you are attending either of these institutions and are approved a grant, you may be eligible to have part of these tuition fees paid.
• Northern Ireland, England and Wales
  Students attending undergraduate courses of study in Northern Ireland, England and Wales may get support for tuition fees on a similar basis to UK students. The relevant application form is sent out by UCAS when an offer is made to you. If you have not applied through UCAS, the application form is available from: The Student Loans Company, European Team Room 38, Mowden Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL3 9BG
• Scotland
  Tuition fees have been abolished for students attending full-time, undergraduate courses in Scotland. Students must, however, complete an application form available from the Institution the student hopes to attend.

Q. What is the Student Registration Fee?

The student registration fee is a charge levied by the institution you hope to attend to cover administrative costs and may be paid under the H.E.G. Scheme if you satisfy the means test. It is only applicable to students pursuing undergraduate courses in the Republic of Ireland, only – (€2000.00) 


Q. What are the relevant income limits?

The relevant income limits for the 2011/2012 academic year are as follows:

Reckonable Income Limits

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

* In the 2011/2012 academic year, where 2 or more children (or the candidate's parent) are pursuing a course of study listed below, the reckonable income limitsfor 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 €4,980.00

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


Q. What is the value of the maintenance grant?

The value of the H.E.G. in the 2011/2012 academic year is as follows:

Q. Does any other authority process grant applications?

The Donegal Vocational Education Committee (V.E.C.) also processes grant applications for students hoping to attend Institutes of Technology, Institutes of Higher Education or pursue a Post Leaving Certificate Course. Application forms are transferable between Donegal County Council and Donegal V.E.C.


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. Remember to submit FA1/SA1 form (normally you can only complete this form after you have obtained your leaving certificate results) in August/September.


Q. Where can I collect my grant cheque?

Your grant cheque can be collected at the Finance Office within the College/University. Please note, Cheques will not be paid into Bank Accounts.

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 line:  (074) 91 72210.
Telephone queries: - Monday-Friday, between 2.30 pm - 4.30pm

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

The above information is a summary of the information contained in the Higher Education Grants Scheme 2011. If you require a full copy of the Scheme, please request same from this office.

Q. What information must I submit with my application?

• Original Long Form Birth Certificate 
• Candidate's proof of residency for 3 out of the last 5 years. (Please see Department of Education Notes on www.studentfinance.ie for details of acceptable documentary evidence.
• Income Details for tax year ended 31st December, 2010
  (see below)

PAYE EMPLOYEE
P21 for 2010 (Balancing Statement) - submit the 2009 P60 to the Tax Office, High Road, Letterkenny and request a P21 balancing statement – Tel: 074 91 69400.

CROSS BORDER WORKERS - In the case of a cross border worker, we need a P60 re: 2009/2010 and 2010/2011.

SELF EMPLOYED
Copy of Financial Accounts and Notice of Assessment for 2010 - submit Financial Accounts to the Tax Office and once accounts have been verified, the Tax Office will issue a Notice of Assessment.

Adjusted Profit Computation for the tax year 2010 (available from Accountant).

SOCIAL WELFARE RECIPIENT
A letter from the Department of Family, Community and Social Affairs, stating the type of payment, the amount and duration of payment received during 2010.

FA1 Form (available to download at www.studentfinance.ie or from our office) - To be completed by students pursuing courses in Ireland, including Northern Ireland.

OR

SA1 Form (available to download at www.studentfinance.ie from our office) - To be completed by students pursuing courses in E.U. Member States - must be stamped by the institution concerned.

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