Fees
FET Courses are not eligible for the Dept. of Justice Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) see here
EU Nationals
In order to meet the nationality criteria, which entitles students to EU-funded tuition fees, you must meet one of the following residency requirements:
- Be an EU Citizen/be ordinarily resident in an EU Member State or a State which is a Contracting State to the EEA Agreement or The Swiss Confederation.
- Have official refugee status.
- Have been granted humanitarian leave to remain in the State and have been ordinarily resident in five years immediately before admission.
Non-EU Nationals
All other applications are considered to be non–EU applications.
Non-EU students must comply with Irish Immigration requirements. A visa from the Immigration Section of the Department of Justice and Equality must be secured prior to commencing the course. Non-EU students will be required to pay a tuition fee determined by the Department of Education and Skills.
Sources of Funding
PLC Grants/Susi Grants
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) provides a means-tested maintenance grant scheme for those attending full-time further education. All applications for grants are made on-line through SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Refer to www.susi.ie.
VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme)
This scheme applies to all courses within DFEi and is designed to assist unemployed people over 21 years with an opportunity to return to full time education without losing benefits. Students on VTOS do not pay fees. Early application, directly to DFEi, for this funding is required, as there are a limited number of places. Contact DFEi for further details. Refer to www.vtos.ie.
BTEA (Back to Education Allowance)
This scheme is run by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and allows people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to retain those payments whilst participating in full-time further education course. Refer to www.welfare.ie. or contact the Local Social Protection Office, or Intreo Centre for eligibility.
Fund for Learners with Disabilities
The Fund for Students with Disabilities allocates funding to further and higher education colleges for the provision of services and supports to full-time learners with disabilities. Applications to the fund are made on behalf of an eligible learner by DFEi.
Other Funding Sources
Learners are advised to check Local Partnerships including Southside, Bray, Northside and Wicklow Working Together for any funding that maybe available