Student Grants and Financial Assistance

This page provides information on the various financial supports available to students studying at ATU Donegal.

Student Grant –Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)

The student grant is the main source of financial help available from the Irish State for students in full-time higher education courses. Decisions on grants are made wholly by SUSI, ATU Donegal has no input into grant decisions. Note, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the cutoff dates for grant applications. For further information and how to apply click here.

You are required to apply for a renewal of your Grant each year. When you are applying to get your grant renewed you will be requested by grant authorities to provide evidence that you are eligible to re-register on your programme.

Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)

If you are unemployed, parenting alone or have a disability and are getting certain payments from the Department of Social Protection, you may take part in a second or third level education course and get a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Further information on BTEA can be found here.

It is important to note that you cannot get the BTEA and the maintenance component of a student grant together.

UK Student Loan Grant Scheme

Types of assistance for full-time UK undergraduate higher education students include:

Tuition Fee Loans to cover the full cost of tuition fees
Maintenance Loans to cover living costs
Grants to cover living costs
Bursaries and scholarships from universities and colleges
Students can also get extra support if they have children or adult dependents, or a disability or a specific learning difficulty

For further information click here

Student Assistance Fund (SAF)

The Student Assistance Fund is a limited fund which is available to registered students who are experiencing financial hardship. Students requiring financial assistance to help with tuition fees or registration fees cannot be considered under the Student Assistance Fund. Students who feel they may be eligible for SAF (see here for eligibility criteria) should contact the Curve at +353 (0)74 918 6175. Students will be required to complete an application form, and will then have an interview with the Access Officer, the Chaplain and the Student Welfare Officer to determine their eligibility. Qualifying students will be required to provide proof of expenditure. Click here for further information.

Third Level Access is co-funded by the Department of Education and Skills and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.