Student (Fee) Grant. What to do??

[VioletWex]

I'm on third level education course and getting a Back To Education Allowance. When I came to school at the registration day I was told that I have to pay €2,250 euro for this course. So I applied for Student (Fee) Grant because I was told that this could cover the student contribution for the year 2012/2013 which is €2,250.
I'm waiting 4-5 weeks already and still didn't hear anything from SuSi.
Could you tell me how long it usually takes to get an answer/decision from them?? Unfortunately I can't afford to pay that student contribution myself and I have only 2 weeks left to make up my mind whether I will stay on this course or not.

I'm wondering if I would drop this course for a year and go for another level 5 course (I completed PLC course on level 5 last year), would I be still entitled to get Back to Education Allowance??

What other choices do you think I could have in this situtation, other than student's loan??

 

[delgirl]

You're not alone in waiting for SUSI to respond regarding your grant application, I know many students who are waiting. It's a very slow process considering that applications had to be in by 31st August and most were in well before that.

You could try contacting them and explaining your situation.

 

[gipimann]

You won't get Back to Education Allowance if you take another course at level 5 having already completed a course at that level.