Financial Matters

Fees
The following standard fees apply to all courses within DFEi
- Non-Refundable course acceptance fee €40
- Non-EU Nationals fee €3,653 with relevant visa
The following variable fees apply to all courses within DFEi.
Student Services fee to cover course ID card, materials, photocopying, equipment, licenses etc
Examination fee to cover professional examination certification
Other costs to cover books, field trip expenses or additional certification
The following exemptions to fees apply
Medical Card | Grant | VTOS | BTEA | Non-EU | |
Non-Refundable course acceptance fee | Exempt | ||||
Student Services fee | Exempt | ||||
Government PLC Levy | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
Examination Fee | Exempt QQI only | Exempt |
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