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.