Types of Maintenance Grants
Maintenance Grant Schemes
There are four Maintenance Grant Schemes coordinated by the Department of Education & Science. The grant you apply for depends on the college you are attending, the level you are studying and whether this is your first time to college.
1: Higher Education Grants Scheme
Generally for Level 8 courses. It is for full-time undergraduate course of not less than 2 years’ duration.
2: Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees
For Level 6 or Level 7 course in Institutes of Technology. It is for full-time undergraduate courses of not less than 2 years’ duration.
3: Vocational Education Committees’ Scholarship Scheme
For Level 8 courses where applicant already has a Level 7 qualification. It is for full-time undergraduate course of not less than 2 years’ duration.
4: Maintenance Grant Scheme for Students Attending Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) Courses
For Post-Leaving Certificate Courses (e.g. FETAC courses Level 4-6). It is for approves PLCs in institutions approved by the Department of Education & Science.
It is very important to make sure that you are applying for the right scheme as if you apply for the wrong one, your application form will be returned to you and you will have to apply again. As getting an application processed can take a very long-time, it is worth taking the time to work out which scheme you will be eligible for and to apply for it in plenty of time.