The Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to full or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. The Student Assistance Fund is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant.

What can I use it for?

The Student Assistance Fund is available to help with costs such as:

• books and class materials
• rent and other utility bills
• food
• essential travel
• childcare costs
• medical costs

The above list is not exhaustive, however it is important that the nature of the expenditure for which assistance is being provided is clearly identified.

What costs are not covered?

Tuition fees, registration fees, student loan repayments or any costs borne by your college are not covered by the Student Assistance Fund.

Who can apply?

Students on full- or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (National Framework of Qualifications level 6-10) in Irish universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply.

Part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups identified in the National Access Plan: A Strategic Action Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education 2022 – 2028 are encouraged to apply as additional funding has been made available to support this group.

Which colleges participate in the Student Assistance Fund?

• Universities

  • Atlantic Technological University
  • Dublin City University
  • Maynooth University
  • Munster Technological University
  • South East Technological University
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • Technological University Dublin
  • Technological University of the Shannon
  • University College Cork
  • University College Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • University of Limerick

• Institutes of Technology

  • Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design & Technology
  • Dundalk Institute of Technology

• Other colleges

  • Marino Institute of Education
  • Mary Immaculate College
  • National College of Art and Design
  • National College of Ireland
  • St Patrick’s College, Maynooth
  • Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences

How do I apply?

If you are in financial difficulty, you should contact the access or student services office in your college for more information on how to apply for the Student Assistance Fund. It is important to apply as soon as you can. Some colleges have a closing date for applications and you should check when this is.

What documentation do I need to apply?

Your college will advise you on the documentation needed to support your application to the Student Assistance Fund. This may include proof of your own or your parents’ income, as appropriate, and receipts for costs such as rent, bills or childcare.

Is it confidential?

The Student Assistance Fund is administered on a strictly confidential basis by your college. Any information you provide as part of your application is protected under the data protection regulations of your college.

How will my application be assessed?

Your individual circumstances and financial means will be taken into consideration by your college when assessing your application to the Student Assistance Fund. Final decisions on awards may be taken by a small committee, including the access officer and student welfare officer.

What are the funding amounts?

Funding amounts vary and will be determined by your college following an assessment process.