going back to finish my studies, what kind of financial help is available?

Hi all

I am finally going back to college to complete my studies, its been 6 years since i was at college so its about time!

However, financially i seem to be falling through the cracks so to speak.

i am looking to complete a degree in Griffith college Cork, however when i ran a check to see if i would be eligible for a student grant, GCC isn't listed as one of the approved colleges, i am aware it is a private college, but i had hoped that it would be under the list, as the course is in cork, and i am living in waterford, and for the forseeable future i will be driving to the course each day.

also when i looked into the social welfare section, it is saying that i need to be claiming unemloyment benefit for a period of something like 312 days, i am on a 3 day week, but only recently, (for educational assistance)

so where do i look for financial assistance, i know i won't be able to claim unemployment benefit as i will not be available for work so to speak, and doing the course part time isn't an option, i am also keen to start the course asap, as each year i have been putting it off, and in these uncertain economic times, i am probably best placed to get my professional qualification under my belt now, also i am 26, and college is likely to take between 2-3 years, and then another year to do FE1's and then to find an apprenticeship, complete etc etc. i have a long hard path in front of me!!

Do a search on here there are LOADS of threads on the subject already.