Mature Students: Student Grants FAQs
NOTE: The information on this page is relevant to the 2011/12 academic year and will be updated for 2012/13 as soon as the Student Grant Scheme for 2012/13 is released. For information on how to apply for your grant for 2012/13, click here.
Many Mature Students are eligible to apply to their Local Authority or VEC for a Student Grant to aid them in their studies. These Frequently Asked Questions should answer any queries you might have regarding the Higher Education Grant. Just click on the questions to get the answers.
You can find a complete list of Local Authorities and VECs and their contact details by clicking here
You may be able to submit your application online or by post, depending on which Local Authority or VEC you need to apply to. Click here for more information.
You should apply to your Local Authority if you intend to study at a university
You should apply to your VEC if you intend to study at an Institute of Technology, such as DIT.
Important: As of 2011/12, all new applicants intending to study at DIT should apply to their VEC for a grant. This is regardless of what level of qualification you intend to study.
Closing date for applications is the 31st of August 2011.
If you are unsure or haven't found the answer you're looking for, contact our Mature Student Support Officer, Bob O Mhurcu, at (01) 402 7658 or email ms.info@dit.ie
Frequently Asked Questions 2011/12
Q1: What courses are approved for the purposes of applying for a grant?
Q2: Can I apply for a grant for a part-time course?
Q3: Am I eligible to apply for a grant?
Q4: Should I apply to the County/City Vocational Education Committee (VEC) or the Local Authority (City/County Council)?
Q5: I have applied to study a range of courses, including Level 7 and Level 8 courses. Do I have to send a grant application to both the VEC and the Council?
Q7: I am commencing a course in, and applying for a grant for, the 2011/12 academic year – am I an Independent Mature Candidate or a Dependent Mature Candidate?
Q8: Can I send in a photocopy of the grant application form?
Q9: Which year’s financial details should I provide in support of my grant application for the 2011/12 academic year?
Q10: What are the reckonable income limits for eligibility for a grant?
Q11: If I don’t qualify for the Free Fees Initiative, how much of my tuition and/or registration fees will the grant cover?
Q12: What is the difference between an adjacent maintenance grant and a non-adjacent maintenance grant and what are the rates?
Q13: I am in a year other than 1st year of my course (e.g. 2nd) but applying for the grant for the first time in 2011/12
OR
I am attending a postgraduate course in 2011/12, having completed my degree in 2010/11.
Can I apply as a Mature Applicant as I would be over the age of 23 on 1st January 2011?
Q14: When applying as the category of candidate which would have applied had I made an application at the commencement of my course, which year’s details should I provide?
Q15: I am awaiting a piece of documentation (e.g. Birth Certificate) or I have received a notice from the Tax Office (that, e.g. a P21 Balancing Statement has been requested by me and will be sent out in the next few days). Should I forward my form anyway and send in the document when I receive it?
Q16: Can I apply as an Independent Mature Candidate even though I am not 23 on the 1st of January 2011, as I am living outside of my parents’ home?
Q17: I am a Dependent Mature Candidate and my parents are separated/divorced. To this end, I have not included the details (including income) on the application form of the parent that no longer resides with us. Is this acceptable?
Q18: I have sent in my complete application, together with all supporting documentation. I have received my acknowledgement postcard, but was wondering when I would be contacted again?
Q19: My income (Independent Mature Students) or that of my parents (Dependent Mature Students) for the tax year ended 31st of December 2010 was from a combination of the categories listed on the application form (i.e. employment, pensions, social welfare). What documentation should I provide?
Q20: What other documentation should I submit?
Q21: I sent in my application late, and because I did so, I have not been assessed yet. Do I have to pay my registration fees to the college or can I wait until I have been assessed?
Q22: I was approved for a grant in the 2010/11 academic year. Do I have to supply any information to the VEC/Council in order for my grant to continue for 2011/12?
Q23: What is the Special Rate of Maintenance (Top-Up) grant, how much is it and am I eligible to apply for it?
Q1: What courses are approved for the purposes of applying for a grant?
A: The Higher Education Authority (HEA) lists the following kinds of courses in DIT as approved for grant purposes:
- a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two year’s duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration AND
- a full-time undergraduate course of a minimum duration of one year which represents progression from a FETAC Level 5 qualification and which leads to the award of a qualification of third level standard (Level 6+) following a terminal examination AND
- a full-time undergraduate course of a minimum duration of one year which represents progression from a Level 7 (Ordinary Bachelor Degree or National Diploma) course to an “add-on” Level 8 (Honours Bachelor Degree) course.
Q2: Can I apply for a grant for a part-time course?
A: No. You can apply for full-time courses only.
Q3: Am I eligible to apply for a grant?
A: You are eligible to apply for a grant if:
- You are entering an approved course for the first time in the 2011/12 academic year OR
- You are re-entering college, after a break of at least one year, in order to complete an approved course at undergrad level for the first time OR
- You are re-entering college, after a break of at least one year, in order to pursue or complete an approved course at postgrad level for the first time OR
- You already hold a postgrad qualification and wish to pursue a postgrad course which represents progression (e.g. you hold a Masters and wish to pursue a PhD) OR
- You started, but did not finish an approved course and are re-entering after a break of at least 5 years in order to pursue a different approved course at the same level.
In short, if for example you already hold a Level 6 (certificate) qualification, you are not eligible to apply for a grant to study another Level 6, but are eligible to apply for a grant to “add-on” to this qualification to gain a Level 7 or Level 8 qualification.
If you already have a Level 7 qualification, you may be eligible to apply for a grant to “add-on” to this in order to gain a Level 8 in the same field of study.
If you have a Level 7 qualification and wish to start a Level 8 course in a different field of study, you should contact your VEC/Council to determine whether you are eligible or not.
If you already hold a Level 8 qualification, you are not eligible to apply for a grant to study a second Level 8 course.
Important: You must also fulfil the following residency & nationality criteria:
Residency:
- You (or your parents, see Q.7) must have been resident within the state for 3 of the past 5 years.
- Note: Candidates who are E.U. nationals and who do not satisfy the residency requirement are eligible to apply for a means-tested fees only grant, provided they have been ordinarily resident, for a purpose other than wholly or mainly to receive full-time education, in an E.U. Member State for 3 of the past 5 years. You should apply for the VEC in which DIT is located (i.e. City of Dublin VEC).
Nationality:
- You must hold EU Nationality OR
- You must have Official Refugee Status OR
- You must have been granted leave to remain in Ireland on Humanitarian Grounds (prior to the Immigration Act 1999) OR
- You must have been granted permission to remain in Ireland following a determination by the Minister for Justice not to make a deportation order (under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999) OR
- You must have permission to remain in Ireland due to marriage to an Irish National, or be the child of an Irish National (if you do not have EU Nationality) OR
- You must have permission to remain in Ireland due to marriage to a National of another EU State, who is resident in Ireland and has been employed or self-employed in Ireland, or be the child of such a person (if you do not have EU Nationality) OR
- You must be a national of a member country of the EEA or Switzerland. (EEA = EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein & Norway).
Q4: Should I apply to the County/City Vocational Education Committee (VEC) or the Local Authority (City/County Council)?
A: You should apply to your Local Authority if you intend to study at a university.
You should apply to your VEC if you intend to study at an Institute of Technology, such as DIT.
Important: As of 2011/12, all new applicants intending to study at DIT should apply to their VEC for a grant. This is regardless of what level of qualification you intend to study.
Q5: I have applied to study a range of courses, including Level 7 and Level 8 courses. Do I have to send a grant application to both the VEC and the Council?
A: No. As of 2011/12, all new applicants intending to study at DIT should apply to their VEC for a grant. This is regardless of what level of qualification you intend to study.
A: You should apply to the VEC in whose jurisdiction you were resident at the start of October 2010 for a course commencing in 2011/12.
Q7: I am commencing a course in, and applying for a grant for, the 2011/12 academic year – am I an Independent Mature Candidate or a Dependent Mature Candidate?
A: If:
- You were resident in your parents’ home at the start of October 2010 (i.e. 1 year prior to the commencement of your course) then you are a Dependent Mature Candidate and you will be means-tested on your parental income AND your income combined.
- You were resident outside of your parents’ home at the start of October 2010 (i.e. 1 year prior to the commencement of your course) then you are an Independent Mature Candidate and you will be means-tested based on your own income only. You will be required to provide proof of residence – e.g. a utility bill from that period.
Q8: Can I send in a photocopy of the grant application form?
A: Most VECs will accept photocopies of the application form, as long as they are of good quality. However, it’s a good idea to practice filling out the form on a photocopy before completing the original form. You should contact your local VEC/Council to have an application pack sent out to you. You can also download the application form from the link at the top of this page.
Some VECs are accepting online applications. See our grants page for a complete list.
Important: It's a good idea to keep a photocopy of the completed grant application form as proof of application.
Q9: Which year’s financial details should I provide in support of my grant application for the 2011/12 academic year?
A: You should provide financial details for the tax year ended 31st December 2010.
Q10: What are the reckonable income limits for eligibility for a grant?
A: The limits change slightly every year to reflect inflation etc. The limits for the 2011/12 academic year are below.
Reckonable Income Limits for the ordinary rates of grant (for the period 1st January, 2010 to 31st December 2010: the tax year 2010)
| No. of Dependent Children | Full Maintenance (100%) & Full Fees |
Part |
Part Maintenance (50%) & Full Fees | Part Maintenance (25%) & Full Fees | Part Tuition Fees (50%) Only | No Tuition Fees, 50% Student Contribution Charge only |
| Less than 4 | €41,110 | €42,235 | €44,720 | €47,205 | €51,380 | €55,920 |
| 4-7 | €45,165 | €46,415 | €49,145 | €51,880 | €56,460 | €61,440 |
| 8 or more | €49,045 | €50,400 | €53,360 | €56,320 | €61,295 | €66,700 |
Note: Where two or more children (or the candidate’s parent) are pursuing a course of study, the reckonable income limits for the full maintenance and part tuition fee categories may be increased by €4,980 where there are two such children, €9,960 where there are three such children (and so on) by increments of €4,980. The equivalent increase for the 75pc, 50pc and 25pc maintenance categories will be €4,815 for each extra student.
Q11: If I don’t qualify for the Free Fees Initiative, how much of my tuition and/or registration fees will the grant cover?
A: For the 2011/112academic year, in certain circumstances, the grant will up to €6,270 of your tuition fees for full-time undergraduate programmes of study, and up to €2,000 in Student Contribution Charge.
For full-time postgraduate programmes of study, the grant will cover up to €6,270 of total fees (tuition + registration combined). Students are liable for any fees not covered by the grant.
The grant will not pay for International Fees (Non-EU Rate of Fees).
Q12: What is the difference between an adjacent maintenance grant and a non-adjacent maintenance grant and what are the rates?
A: The maintenance grant is a payment made three times per academic year to students in receipt of a grant. This payment can be made in the form of a cheque or a bank lodgement, depending on the VEC from whom it is issued. The adjacent rate applies to students whose home is less than 45km from the college where they are studying. The non-adjacent rate applies to students whose home is more than 45km from the college. These rates apply to all students, mature or otherwise.
The rates for the 2011/12 academic year are as follows:
| Non-Adjacent Rate | Adjacent Rate | |
| Full Maintenance | €3,120 | €1,250 |
| 75% Maintenance | €2,340 | €940 |
| 50% Maintenance | €1,560 | €625 |
| 25% Maintenance | €780 | €315 |
Q13: I am in a year other than 1st year of my course (e.g. 2nd) but applying for the grant for the first time in 2011/12 OR
I am attending a postgraduate course in 2011/12, having completed my degree in 2010/11.
Can I apply as a Mature Applicant as I would be over the age of 23 on 1st January 2011?
A: Unless you have taken a break from study of at least 3 year's duration before commencing your studies in the 2011/12 academic year, you must apply as the category of applicant which would have applied to you had you made an application for funding at the commencement of your course.
For (e.g.) 2nd year undergrads, you would have to have been over 23 on the 1st of January 2010, even if you didn’t apply for the grant for the 2010/11 academic year. For postgrads, unless you take a 3 year study break between your degree and your postgrad, you would continue to be assessed in the same category as for your undergrad degree.
If you have entered into your course through Advanced Entry you should contact your VEC.
Q14: When applying as the category of candidate which would have applied had I made an application at the commencement of my course, which year’s details should I provide?
A: If applying as an undergrad Independent Mature Candidate using the example above, you must provide proof of residence that you were living outside your parents’ home as of the start of October 2009 (one year before you commenced the course). Otherwise you may be considered a Dependent Mature Candidate.
However, you must supply financial details for the tax year ended 31st December 2010.
Q15: I am awaiting a piece of documentation (e.g. Birth Certificate) or I have received a notice from the Tax Office (that, e.g. a P21 Balancing Statement has been requested by me and will be sent out in the next few days). Should I forward my form anyway and send in the document when I receive it?
A: No. if you form without the complete documentation attached (especially a P21), it will be returned to you unprocessed. Wait until you receive the document and send in a complete application. Most Local Authorities will accept late applications.
Q16: Can I apply as an Independent Mature Candidate even though I am not 23 on the 1st of January 2011, as I am living outside of my parents’ home?
A: No. You must apply as Candidate other than a Mature Candidate and provide details of your parents’ income.
Q17: I am a Dependent Mature Candidate and my parents are separated/divorced. To this end, I have not included the details (including income) on the application form of the parent that no longer resides with us. Is this acceptable?
A: You must identify this parent/guardian by writing “separated/divorced” in the space where their PPS number should go on page 6 of the application form AND supply ONE of the following original pieces of documentation:
- Evidence of Deserted Wives’ Benefit/Allowance
- Maintenance Agreement/Order/Divorce Decree
- An affidavit sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths that he/she is separated (blank affidavits available from the Higher Education Grants Office)
- An allowance for a lone parent in relation to tax relief as shown on the P21 from the Revenue Commissioners
Q18: I have sent in my complete application, together with all supporting documentation. I have received my acknowledgement postcard, but was wondering when I would be contacted again?
A: You can assume that if your form is not returned as “incomplete” that it has been forwarded to the relevant person to be assessed. You will be notified in due course of the outcome (i.e. if you are eligible/ineligible).
Q19: My income (Independent Mature Students) or that of my parents (Dependent Mature Students) for the tax year ended 31st of December 2010 was from a combination of the categories listed on the application form (i.e. employment, pensions, social welfare). What documentation should I provide?
A: You should provide all necessary documentation as listed in the Grant Information Booklet that applies to your (and/or your parents’) income for the tax year ended 31st December 2010. This list includes:
- P21 PAYE Balancing Statement (prepared by your local Tax Office or available at www.revenue.ie)
- P60 for each employment
- P45 if employment ceased
- Accounts, Notice of Assessment, Adjusted Profit Computation (if self-employed)
- Social Welfare Statement/Health Service Executive Statement
- Interest Certificates (interest on Deposit Accounts, Investments, SSIAs etc)
This is not a complete list; further documentation may be required on a case-by-case basis.
Q20: What other documentation should I submit?
A: The most common forms of documentation required are:
- Original Long-Form Birth Certificate
- Proof of residence outside the parental home from 1st October 2010 in the case of Independent Mature Candidates
- Evidence of exam results or participation on a PLC, FETAC or Third Level course
- Evidence of divorce or separation
- Evidence of Maintenance Agreement
- Proof of parents/guardians’ residence
- Official Refugee Status sanction from the Dept of Justice
- Marriage Certificate
- Evidence of Nationality (certified copy of passport)
- Foster care arrangement
- Legal Guardianship
- Adoption
You should supply all documentation that applies to your case. Again, this is not a complete list; further documentation may be required on a case-by-case basis.
Q21: I sent in my grant application late, and because I did so, I have not been assessed yet. Do I have to pay my registration fees to the college or can I wait until I have been assessed?
A: According to the DIT Registrations Dept, if you bring proof of application with you when registering (e.g. your acknowledgement postcard or a letter from the VEC/Council stating that you have applied for a grant and your assessment is pending) you will not have to pay a registration fee there and then. If you aren’t sure that your grant will be approved, you may pay the registration fee when you register – should you be approved, Registrations will issue you a refund. It is vital that you submit a letter stating that you have been approved for a grant, including grant details, from the VEC/Council to Registrations in order to have this refund processed.
This is a general ruling; registration fee payment requirements may vary on a case-by-case basis. You should contact the Registrations Office on your campus if you are unsure.
This DIT policy may change for the 2011/12 academic year. Information will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.
Q22: I was approved for a grant in the 2010/11 academic year. Do I have to supply any information to the VEC in order for my grant to continue for 2011/12?
A: All applicants who were awarded grants for the 2010/11 academic year are forwarded Renewal Forms to be completed and returned to the VEC.
Undergrads should send proof of exam results indicating that they have passed and are eligible to advance to the next year of their course with this form.
Postgrads should send a letter confirming entry into first/next year of their postgraduate course from the relevant college with this form.
Otherwise, you are not required to submit any additional information in order for your grant to be renewed for the 2010/11 academic year unless:
- You are contacted by your VEC/Council and asked to provide details/information because you have been included in a test sample of previous grant holders and your VEC/Council are required to prove that your reckonable income is still within the limits set for this year OR
- You have previously requested that you are allowed to defer your grant (for a maximum of one year) and you now wish to request that your grant be re-awarded for the current academic year OR
- You were awarded a grant for the 2010/11 academic year for one year only OR
- You wish to advise your VEC/Council of a permanent change in circumstances, which may make you eligible/ineligible for the award of a grant in 2011/12 OR
- You have changed course or college for the academic year 2011/12.
Q23: What is the Special Rate of Maintenance (Top-Up) grant, how much is it and am I eligible to apply for it?
A: The Special Rate of Maintenance Grant, or Top-Up Grant, is an extra maintenance payment made to candidates whose reckonable income is below a certain level and who are in receipt of certain Social Welfare Payments.
For the 2011/12 academic year (tax year ended 31st Dec 2010), the reckonable income limit is €22,703, and must include payments from one of the following:
1. Social Assistance Payments:
2. Social Insurance Payments:
3. Family Income Supplement (FIS)
4. Designated Programmes:
-
Back to Education Allowance (Second Level and Third Level Option)
-
Back to Work Allowance (Employees)
-
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
-
Community Employment Scheme
-
Rural Social Scheme
-
FÁS Training Programmes, including Apprenticeships
-
Part time job incentive scheme
-
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
5. Others:
-
In receipt of payments under the Fáilte Ireland Skills Programme equivalent to a social welfare payment
-
In receipt of payments under the FIT (Fastrack to IT) initiative equivalent to a social welfare payment
-
Participants on a training course approved by a Government Department, State Agency or Area Partnership and who were in receipt of an eligible payment prior to progressing to the programme
-
Grant aided employees in social economy enterprises
-
In receipt of payments under the Senior Traveller Training Centre programmes
Special Rate of Maintenance Grants for 2011/12:
| Grant | Standard Grant | Special Rate Amount | Total Grant |
| Non-Adjacent Rate | €3,120 | €2,980 | €6,100 |
| Adjacent Rate | €1,250 | €1,195 | €2,445 |
All information is correct as of 28th June 2011.
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