Publication
Social protection and other supports
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Intreo (the Irish public employment services) has a number of ways to support you to upskill or return to education. This should enhance your job prospects and help you to re-enter the workplace.
Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for all further and higher education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education, in approved full time third level course.
If you are hoping to attend a post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course, you may be able to get a student grant from to help with living expenses while you are in education. Please check www.susi.ie for more information.
You can use SUSI's eligibility reckoner to check whether you're eligible for a student grant.
The online application process is still open for 2022 to 2023.
If you are a student who is in the protection system or at the leave to remain (but not deportation order) stage, you may be eligible to apply for a financial grant, under the International Protection Student Scheme (for Further and Higher Education Students) 2022 to 2023.
To apply, you must be studying on a full-time course for the 2022 to 2023 academic year. You must also be studying on a:
Your income will need to be under certain limits to receive a grant. This may or may not include your parents' income.
Find the eligibility criteria, application process, closing date and apply for your grant .
You may be eligible for financial assistance to help you with your course, if you are:
This financial support is for a limited period of one year.
Find the eligibility criteria, application process, closing date and apply for your bursary .
For more information on support available to people arriving form Ukraine at gov.ie/ukraine .
If you are a part-time or full-time student experiencing financial difficulties while attending higher education, you can apply for help under the Student Assistance Fund.
You can claim the fund for expenses like:
The expenses on the list above are examples. You may be able to claim the fund for other expenses. You must clearly tell your higher education institution the expense that you're applying for assistance for.
Higher education institutions administer the funding locally. Find out more about the Student Assistance Fund.
Information on specific supports for persons with disabilities can be found at www.studentfinance.ie.
Funding is provided to your place of study and you do not have to apply directly – you should make contact with your university or college disability service who will carry out a needs assessment based on your specific needs.
Other supports are available on the AHEAD website: www.ahead.ie/student.
Here you will also find information on assistive technology: www.ahead.ie/ATHive.