This article is from page 3 of the 2006-08-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
ADULTS considering going back to college are being reminded by an Ennis-based organisation that they can avail of finance for the move under a grant scheme fo mature students.
The Ennis Citizens’ Information Centre spokesman, Paul Woulfe said that the service wants to make those considering going back to education aware that they may be eligible for financial help.
The deadline for applying for the Higher Education Grant Scheme, is on August 31.
“The Higher Education Grants Scheme provides means-tested grants to eligible students on approved courses. Application forms are available from your local authority.
“If you are already on a social welfare payment, the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows you to study at second and third level without losing your benefits,” said Woulfe.
Candidates have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the BTEA, he added.
“Candidates are deemed mature candidates for the purpose of a grant if they are at least 23 years on January 1 of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course of third-level education in an approved institution. Eligibility is normally calculated by comparing the reckonable income of the candidates in the year ending 31 December of the year in which they enter the course with the means test tables of the scheme in that year,” said Woulfe.
Working people who earn less than €37,650 can apply for a full grant and will also have their fees paid.
A sliding scale applies to candidates and the number of their dependant children will be taken into consideration.
“Higher Education can give people the opportunity they’ve been waiting for, to re-train, qualify or pursue the career they’ve always wanted and the Higher Education Grant Scheme may be able to help”, said Woulfe
Meanwhile, the CIC is warning other students to apply straight away for their grants as the August 31 closing date applies to them as well.
“Make sure you study all the documentation, seeking assistance if necessary,” advised Woulfe.
“This should cut down on the high level of incorrectly completed applications submitted, due to the apparent complexity of the form and the difficulty obtaining the necessary documentation for the income assessment.”