Grants for Disabled Students
Students with disabilities may be entitled to non means tested Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). Please check the DSA website for eligibility at
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation
Grants are available to help pay for equipment and non-medical helpers and there is also a general allowance of up to £1,260 a year. Students diagnosed as dyslexic would fall into this category.
Social Security Benefits
The rules about studying are different for each benefit, however, most full-time students are not entitled to benefits. If you are in receipt of benefits you can check how they are affected in the Law Centre's Students and Benefits booklet available from EGSA. Telephone EGSA on 028 9024 4274 or visit www.egsa.org.uk
Alternatively you can contact your local advice centre for further information.
Educational Trusts
Educational Trusts are an alternative source of finance for education. However, each Trust has its own strict criteria and closing dates and help available is generally limited. Applications may take some time to process and therefore would not be appropriate for those needing help urgently.
Prince's Trust
The Prince's Trust may give an award of between £50 and £300 for fees and equipment. For an application form contact: The Prince's Trust, Block 5, Jennymount Court, North Derby Street, Belfast BT15 3HN
Family Welfare Association
FWA is able to provide lone parents on a lone income with financial support through the Barclaycard Horizons Education Fund. Grants are available up to a maximum of £200. If the student needs significantly more than this, for childcare or fees for example, they will need to be able to show that they have obtained most of the amount from other sources before applying. Visit: http://www.egsa.org.uk for more information.
GAA Bursary Scheme
GAA are giving Bursaries of £700 to students who are members of a GAA club and are studying Higher Education in a Sports related area. For information contact: Ulster Council GAA, 8 -10 Market Street, Armagh BT61 7BX
Thomas Devlin Fund – Performing Arts Bursaries
Thomas Devlin Fund offers bursaries of up to £1500 to young people between the age of 15 and 19 in order to pursue a career or study in the performing arts.
Contact The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Community House, Citylink Business Park, Albert Street, Belfast, BT12 4HQ Tel: +44 (0) 28 90245927