returning to full time study, what financial help can I expect?

[patco]

Hi,I hope someone could help me find some answers to alot of confusion regarding returning to college - grants - benefits etc

History: I'm 24 years old. I graduated in 2006 with a Master of Art Degree.

Unfortunately there seems to be no vacancies in my career choice, and any that relate need previous working experience. For me it is a catch 22 as I cannot get a job to gain experience therefore I cannot get a job that requires previous experience!

For my first year out of college I work a totally unrelated job.

In the last year I have been in reciept of Jobseekers Allowance of €185e.p.w.

I have not claimed rent allowance as I have been living at a friends. However this may change soon, not sure yet.

My wish is to return to college full time to study a related course, which will hopefully broaden my career choices.

My delimma is that I am not entitled to any grants and do not know if there is any options open to me financially to help make this possible.

I simply cannot afford the €2,354 per year.

I'm told that I do not qualify for the BTEA as I have already got a Masters.

They say that if I return to full time study that I will lose my JS allowance as I will obviously not be available for work.

I do not qualify for any VTOS or HEC grants that I'm aware of, but I'm not sure if there is a way that I could possibly qualify for any of these.

I do not know if I will be able to recieve Rent Allowance?

Has anyone been in this situation whereby they can give me advice, or indeed anyone know the system and what, if anything, is available to me?

Kind regards.
Patco

 

[gipimann]

In relation to Rent Supplement, full-time students do not qualify for same unless they are on a Back to Education Allowance, which you've mentioned you don't qualify for.

Is there any chance of doing a night course which would allow you to work or be available for work (and therefore continue to qualify for Jobseeker's)?

 

[mimmi]

What is your chosen career and new degree path?

Do you have a BA/BSc already?

 

[patco]

Have been talking with cwo, college dept's, grants offices etc, the whole run around.
I have a BA in History and Archaeology and an MA in Coastal Management & GIS.
The course I want to go for now is a BSc in Applied Bio-Sciences, at least 2 years to 4 years.

 

[scatriona]

Hi

From my experience you will not receive a grant and you will also be liable for full fees as this new degree is not an 'advancement' (or post grad) to follow your primary degree. I believe full fees to be in region of 5k but it may depend on course & educ. establishment.

S