Higher Education Grant Scheme

HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS SCHEME

This scheme provides means tested grants to eligible students who are pursuing approved courses.

Students should apply to their Local Authority/VEC directly.  Grant application must be made on the official application form, which is available from the Local Authority/VEC.  Late applications are dealt with at the discretion of the Local Authority/VEC.

Grants are paid in respect of eligible EU nationals who have been resident within the Local Authorities jurisdiction for at least twelve months preceding their entry to a third-level programme, subject to the terms and conditions of each Local Authority (details of which are available from the Local Authority itself).

• Higher Education Grants will not be paid in respect of second period attendance at the same level of an approved course, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously.
• Funding can be transferred between two approved courses or faculties of same level, requiring prior approval of Local Authority.
• Part-time or Evening courses are not funded in this manner as they are not approved under the Higher Education Grants Scheme.
• A student who takes a Leave of Absence, approved by their Department, will generally receive full funding on resumption of studies. The Local Authority may wish to re-assess eligibility in some cases.
• The capitation element of fees is not covered under the Higher Education Grants Scheme.  This fee of €70 must be paid by the student.

Maintenance Cheques

Maintenance cheques are generally received in three instalment, usually in mid October, January and April.  The names of the Local Authority/VEC’s from whom maintenance cheques have been received are posted daily on the Fees & Grants notice board in the Stone Corridor in the North Wing and on our webpage http://secretary.ucc.ie/finance/fees/index.asp

 

Students are advised to check these regularly.  When your Local Authority/VEC’s name appears you may call to the Fees & Grants Office bringing your current ID card to collect your cheque.  Please note maintenance cheques will not be released under any circumstances without producing your ID card.

 

Since the Fees & Grants office is only involved in the distribution of maintenance cheques, any queries in relation to delays or amounts should be addressed to the relevant Local Authority/VEC.  It is the responsibility of students to collect their maintenance cheques within a month of they being received in the Fees & Grants office.  Failure to collect cheques will result in your cheque being returned to the Local Authority/VEC which may result in the grant being discontinued.

 

Applicants not eligible for either the State Grant or a Higher Education Grant are liable to pay full tuition, registration and capitation fees.