St. Vincent de Paul
SVDP offer grants on a means tested basis to people in financially disadvantaged situations. Applications should be made no later than August. Application forms can be found at your local SVDP.
SVDP Dundalk T: 042 933 9056
SVDP Drogheda T: 041 984 3832
VEC
The VEC can only fund students in Higher Education. Call the Dundalk office on 042 933 4047.
Bank of Ireland
The Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust is a scholarship fund for people facing significant barriers to fulfilling their educational potential. The trust funds around 60 scholarships each year, a number which will be awarded to mature students. Awards will be made depending on individual circumstances. These scholarships are available to people in full-time education and who do not hold a previous degree. Telephone 1850 22 17 21 or 01406 0500 for more information or visit the website at www.bankofireland.ie
Back to Education Allowance
Students who are unemployed, a single parent or have a disability, may be able to pursue approved second or third level education courses through the Back to Education Allowance Scheme. Participants in the scheme receive a standard rate of payment that is not means tested. The allowance is payable for the duration of the course (excluding the summer holiday period). This will not affect a student’s ability to receive a maintenance grant. If you qualify for the Back to Education Allowance you will keep entitlements to any secondary benefits you already have, e.g. Christmas Bonus, Fuel Allowance, Diet Supplement or Rent or Mortgage Supplement under the Supplementary Allowance Scheme.
Partnership Grants
Dundalk Employment Partnership operates a limited system of grant aid to support disadvantaged residents of the Dundalk urban area, in continuing or returning to education. Not all partnerships have such funds and eligibility requirements and amounts vary.
For more information, contact your local partnership:
Dundalk T: 042 933 0288
Drogheda T: 041 984 2088
Monaghan T: 042 974 9500