Offaly County Council is responsible for the administration of the Higher Education Grants Scheme on behalf of the Department of Education & Science, for students at Undergraduate (Level 8) and Post-Graduate Level (H Dip, Masters, & Phd).
For PLC, Certificates & Ordinary Degree Courses (Levels 5,6,7) applications must be made to the V.E.C. Offices, Castle Buildings, Tara Street, Tullamore, Telephone: 057 93 21406.
The Scheme:
The Scheme is adopted annually by the Council and it is subsequently approved by the Minister for Education and Science.
Please read the Higher Education Grant Scheme 2011/2012 which sets out the criteria for canditates applying in the 2011/2012 academic year.
You may also find the Student Support Act and the Support Support Regulations here by clicking on the links.
Higher Education Grants are means tested, therefore, you have to acquire and complete an application form to be assessed under the terms of the Scheme.
Persons to whom this Scheme applies:
· Candidates who are entering an approved course for the first time in 2011/2012 academic year at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Mature candidates over 23 years of age on 1st January, who in 2011/2012 academic year, are:
- re-entering in order to complete an approved course at undergraduate level for the first time, or
- re-entering in order to pursue or complete an approved course at postgraduate level for the first time.
· Candidate, who having attended but not successfully completed an approved course, are returning following a break of at least five years in order to pursue an approved course at the same level (i.e. Second Chance Students)
· Students who are studying outside Ireland in an approved college/course. *NB maintenance only is provided in such instances.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for a grant under the Scheme, a candidate must fulfil the conditions as to residence, age, academic attainments, means and nationality as specified in the Scheme.
Candidates may apply to Offaly County Council if they/their parents/guardians were resident in the Offaly Administrative area from 1st October prior to entering the approved course, except in the case of an independent mature student, in which case it will be the address of the student. Proof of independent residence is required in this instance.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 31st August 2011.
For further information go towww.studentfinance.ie