Financing Your Studies
An excellent source of information on all matters relating to third-level fees and sources of funding is www.studentfinance.ie.
- Programme / tuition fees
- Student contribution & student centre levy
- Back to Education Allowance
- Higher Education Grants
- Student Assistance Fund
- Financial Aid Fund
- Fund for Students with Disabilities
- Scholarships
The Government’s Free Fees Scheme offers free tuition fees for full-time students who have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to their third-level course and who meet the criteria of the scheme. Details of the nationality and other criteria to be applied are available from the UL Fees Office. [Back to top]
Student Contribution & Student Centre Levy
All full-time undergraduate students are liable for the Registration, Examination and Student Service Charge (Academic Year 2013/14: €2,500) and the Student Centre Levy (Academic Year 2012/13: €72). The Student Contribution Fee can be covered under the Higher Education Grant scheme for those who are eligible, however all students are liable for the Study Centre Levy. [Back to top]
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a key source of financial support for many mature students. The BTEA allows qualifying persons (who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments) to retain those payments whilst returning to full-time education in approved courses. In general, to qualify for the BTEA participants must be aged 21 years or over, and be in receipt of specific social welfare payments for at least nine months prior to commencement of the first year of an approved third-level course.
Full information on the BTEA, and on how to apply, can be obtained from your local Department of Social Protection Office. [Back to top]
The student grant is another primary source of financial help available from the Irish State for students in full-time higher education undergraduate courses. SUSI – Student Universal Support Ireland – is the new online application system for all higher education grants for new students.
For eligible students, the grant helps with the various costs of participating in further or higher education. Students on part-time courses, access or foundation courses (in higher education institutions) and short courses are not eligible to apply for a student grant. As the grants are means tested, family and/or personal income is a key factor that will be assessed when you apply but there are also some other conditions. Full details on the application system and on eligibility requirements are available on www.studentfinance.ie. [Back to top]
The Student Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for full-time higher education students who are experiencing financial difficulties whilst attending college. All full-time registered students who are attending the University are eligible to apply for assistance from the Fund, however, resources will be targeted at those disadvantaged students most in need. Assistance with such items as books, transport, food, household bills, medical bills and rent can be considered within the Fund.
Applications to the Fund can only be made once you become a full-time registered student. Mature students should contact the Mature Student Office for further information and an application once you have registered for your undergraduate programme. The closing date for the Fund is normally in January of the relevant academic year. [Back to top]
This fund is administered through the Students’ Union Welfare Office. There are two types of payments out of the fund:
1. Loan: An interest free loan that is given for specific circumstances for a specific period of time. Loans must be repaid by an agreed date as decided when applying for the fund. To apply for a loan, documentation of your financial situation must be provided.
2. Childcare Bursary: Known as the "Crèche Bursary", this fund aims to assist students who are in financial difficulties and who need assistance in order to meet childcare costs, whether it be crèche or child minding. This fund is targeted towards lone parents. [Back to top]
Fund for Students with Disabilities
The Fund aims to ensure that full-time students with disabilities can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability. A claim under this Fund is made on behalf of an eligible student by their college following an assessment of need. Applications cannot be made directly to the Fund by students. Students with disabilities enrolled in part-time courses, access or foundation courses in higher education institutions or short courses are not eligible for consideration under the Fund.
Further information on funding for study related support for students with a disability is available from the UL Disability Support Service – Tel: 061-213478 or michelle.hartnett@ul.ie. [Back to top]
A number of scholarships are available to students at the University of Limerick. Further details on these scholarships are available from the UL prospectus. Please note that applications for scholarships are generally made after registering in the University. [Back to top]